New York - Some ten million U.S. households are "completely unready" for the upcoming transition to digital television next year, and nearly 25 million homes will have at least one TV that will stop functioning, The New York Times reported, citing data from a new report by Nielsen Media Research. Those with an analog TV whose set is not subscribed to a cable or satellite service will lose their signals, unless they purchase a digital converter -- for which coupons have been made available by the government.

Disproportionately affected by the transition will be Hispanic, African-American and younger households.

"Some people expected that senior citizens would be among the most affected," Nielsen SVP Patricia McDonough told The Times. "But looking at 65-years-plus households, they are among the most prepared."

The report also found that secondary sets, in the bedroom or kitchen, were more likely to be unready, and that this might affect ratings of morning and late-night programs.

Nielsen found that as of April, 17% of prime time network viewing occurred on unready TV sets, which jumped to 27% for Spanish-language stations.

The government-mandated analog TV shut-off date is Feb. 17, 2009.

Related Links:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/27/business/media/27adcol.html

http://www.nielsenmedia.com

http://www.dtv2009.gov