Research
The best way to teach consumers about advanced TV offerings is a combination of clear instruction manuals and safe trial and error method, says a study by Dove Consulting. 29% of cable and DBS subs are concerned about incurring unexpected payment obligations or fees, while 21% are worried about making irreversible mistakes. — Some 71% of cable HD subs polled said they are "very" or "somewhat satisfied" with their cable high-def service. That’s according to a survey of 1100 subs conducted by Frank N. Magid Assoc for INHD. 50% said access to local broadcast channels in HD, the ease of installation and the fact there was no extra equipment to buy were "very important" factors in their decision to go with cable for HD. — For the 11th consecutive year, cable (65%) is the top choice for preferred video provider. That’s from CTAM’s latest "Pulse" survey. Other findings: awareness of media center was highest among cable modem subs (50%) and digital cable subs (47%); more than half (55%) of basic, 60% of digital and 51% of satellite customers did not know that extra equipment is required to see programs broadcast in HD format; and the majority of basic (61%) and digital cable customers (64%) and satellite customers (72%) were unaware that HDTV broadcasts were of better quality than a DVD.