Washington - Over one-third (36%) of U.S. television households are unaware of the looming switchover to digital television broadcasting, set to take effect just over a year from now, while "major confusion" exists among the remaining consumers who are aware of the transition, according to a new survey from Consumer Reports National Research Center. An estimated 11% of American homes that rely exclusively on over-the-air analog broadcasts -- or about 23 million people -- will be unable to watch TV at all if they take no action before the switchover to digital.

The survey also found that 73% of households are unaware of the government-subsidized coupons they can request to offset the cost of a digital converter.

The FCC and Congress are currently considering a major boost in the number of public service TV ads that broadcasters will be required to air informing consumers about the transition and coupon program.

Among those aware of the transition, 33% of those who will be completely unaffected by the switchover plan to buy a converter box, and 31% plan to purchase a new television with built-in digital tuner.

"Confusion about the digital television transition will cost consumers a lot of money for equipment they may not want or need," said Joel Kelsey, policy analyst for Consumers Union, the non profit publisher of Consumer Reports.

"Based on these survey results, it is now clear that the government and every media company that profits from people watching television must do whatever it takes to make sure consumers will keep getting broadcast TV without paying a dime more than necessary."

Related Links:
http://snipurl.com/1yoxo (press release)

http://snipurl.com/1yoxl (PDF of complete survey)

http://www.consumerreports.org