We can always go back to listening to the radio

Not the best of news about a new technology:

Nine out of 10 consumers are confused about high-definition [television and movies], and more than 40% of people who already own an HDTV are still in the dark about HD.

• Four in 20 people did not [understand they need to have] an HDTV... to enjoy high-def content.
• 44% of respondents did not know they needed HD programming or an HD antenna.
• 52% did not know they needed HD cables^[1]...
• More than half... said they had only budgeted for [the HD television], thinking that would be enough to be viewing in high-def.
• 52% of respondents who already own an HDTV said they would be unwilling to admit their HD set-up was wrong after showing the system to friends.
• Only 11% of all consumers said they feel they completely understand high-def, compared to 19% of HDTV owners.

[Results of] a survey [by retailer Best Buy]... of 1,012 adults in the continental United States. -- Home Media Magazine: Best Buy Survey Prompts HD Education^[2]

Given all the misconfigured HD systems I've seen, including demonstration systems in stores, can't say I'm surprised. 

And remember, standard-definition television is scheduled to go away in February 2009.

-----
^[1] That's that expensive HDMI encrypted-interface cable that is required if you want to get real HD video out of your HD tuner or HD-DVD player. Thanks a bunch, Hollywood!
^[2] No link. Story found in hard copy (September 30-October 6, 2007: Page 10).

Posted by: Old Grouch in In Passing at 15:07:40 GMT | No Comments | Add Comment
Post contains 231 words, total size 2 kb.