NAB Poll: 75 Percent of Digital-Ready Households Claim Better Reception, More Channels

May 11, 2009

WASHINGTON, DC — With a month remaining until television stations across America switch to all-digital broadcasting, a new poll released today by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) shows that 75 percent of digital-ready households say they received better quality reception across all broadcast channels after upgrading to digital with a converter box.

Among those households, nearly half (47 percent) saw a "major improvement" in their overall television reception. The poll also found that 54 percent of broadcast-only TV households are receiving more channels since purchasing a new digital TV set within the past 18 months. Only eight percent of respondents said they were receiving fewer channels.

"Broadcasters are pleased to see that the vast majority of Americans who have made the switch to digital are experiencing both improved reception and increased channels," said Jonathan Collegio, NAB vice president for digital television transition. "Antenna television viewers should upgrade and test their equipment early to learn about any reception or technical difficulties in their areas and whether a new antenna may be necessary."

NAB's telephone survey of 1,080 broadcast-only households was conducted by SmithGeiger LLC on March 26 - April 8.

All full-power stations are required by law to begin broadcasting exclusively in digital by June 12, 2009, although some stations plan to switch prior to that date. Viewers who rely exclusively on free, over-the-air television must upgrade their TV sets or risk losing reception after the transition. NAB is leading a billion-dollar public awareness campaign to help Americans prepare for the transition to digital television.