Market research agency Buckingham Research discovered around 99 percent of consumers in the United Kingdom are aware of high-definition TVs (HDTVs) -- an impressive number that comes with a very big catch.
The news isn't all cheerful, as just one in 10 consumers is ready to purchase an HDTV set in 2009, according to the research group. HDTV manufacturers must now work to try and woo consumers to upgrade their TVs, even when most viewers aren't interested in HD programming at the moment.
For consumers who are aware of HDTV, around 53 percent say they do not have HD subscriptions right now, and don't plan on subscribing to any HD programming. About 13 percent have it and will continue to receive HD content, while six percent don't have HD programming but plan to begin a subscription.
In the U.K., a lack of HD content is one of the biggest problems facing consumers who are interested but have yet to subscribe to the pricey HD TV programming packages.
Even though the overall cost of HDTVs continues to decrease as more models hit the market, the current economic downturn is causing many would-be shoppers to opt to save thier money. The same problem is causing trouble for Blu-ray manufacturers who are attempting to lower the price of standalone players that have more features and perks.
I expected the number of consumers to be high, but 99 percent is still a shock to me. I am not surprised to learn that only one in 10 consumers plan to purchase an HDTV in 2009 due to the economic landscape. HDTV manufacturers must work alongside cable TV providers to help generate a higher interest in HD products and content.
