The results of Hitachi's US survey, which found that 78% of consumers want their next TV to be HD Ready, isn't exactly a shocking revelation – but it does support our less than bold prediction that the HDTV market is set to explode.
We're more surprised that 22% of American consumers aren't interested in HDTV. But, according to the survey, this is probably due to continued uncertainty surrounding the technology – with nearly two thirds of consumers claiming they're still uncomfortable explaining various HD options.
Via Ecoustics.com
Despite women being the driving force behind large purchases with 45% of households claiming that women are equally or more responsible for buying consumer electronics, it's the girls that seem to be the most confused. Nearly three quarters (73%) of women feel unqualified to discuss HDTV options compared to 51% of men.
This isn't necessarily going to affect demand as consumers don't need to know how something works to enjoy using it – can anyone explain the mechanism of a microwave oven? But, it does suggest that still more consumer education is needed.
Some other revealing facts from the survey are that large screen displays are more important than ever with 37% of consumers wanting a TV bigger than 50in (this is America after all) and most of those want to wall hang their new set.
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