The confusion is preventing some from taking full advantage of their sets, says IDC (IDC) analyst Eric Haruki.
Take high-definition TVs. About 45% of television shoppers surveyed by IDC had at least one in their home. But only 35% subscribed to a high-definition cable, satellite or other broadcast service.
That's a problem. High-definition TVs can display a more detailed picture than traditional sets, but only if they get a high-definition signal. Regular broadcasts won't look better, and may look worse.
Other areas causing confusion:
•Digital transition. Only 29% of people surveyed by IDC said they were "very familiar" with the digital TV transition planned for February 2009. At that time, TV stations will stop transmitting analog signals over the air. The change won't affect most people who receive TV signals via cable or satellite. But people who use an antenna will need a digital television or an add-on converter box.
•LCD vs. plasma. About 73% of those surveyed said they were likely to buy a liquid-crystal display (LCD) flat-panel TV for their next set. Just 20% said they were likely to choose a rival technology, plasma. But plasma sets are just as good as LCD — and are better suited for some settings, Haruki says.
Plasmas can be difficult to see in a very bright room, but they're better at showing fast motion and dark colors than LCD, says Jim Palumbo, president of the Plasma Display Coalition, a trade group. That makes plasma ideal for many living rooms and home theaters, he says.
It's not surprising that consumers are struggling, says Bob Scaglione, senior vice president at TV-maker Sharp. After changing little for 40 years, TVs have suddenly been transformed by new technology. People are confused and "overwhelmed by too many choices," he says.
So far, that hasn't stopped consumers from buying bigger, fancier TVs. The average price jumped to $767 this holiday season, up from $625 a year ago, says researcher NPD.
But manufacturers worry that confusion may discourage potential buyers, especially those who aren't eager to try new technology. They're stepping up education campaigns to help people better understand new TVs.
In early January, Sharp will launch a toll-free TV help line. Westinghouse Digital is including TV information guides with sets, and putting informational stickers on boxes.
Panasonic is touring the country with a fleet of four large trucks equipped with TVs and a team of experts. The trucks make appearances outside retail stores and sporting events.
Source: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/products/2007-12-19-high-definition-TV_N.htm
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