Price, confusion top list of issues facing consumers considering TV purchase

A new survey revealed that consumers were most interested in purchasing a 42in HD flat television, costing less than $2000 during the holiday season, even though many were still confused about their DTV options.

Results from IDC's “U.S. Holiday 2004 Digital TV Purchase Survey” released Dec. 16 were tabulated from a poll of more than 1200 likely TV buyers. Respondents were asked their preferences regarding television technologies, types, size, features, brands and purchase location.

Price and confusion over DTV options dominated consumer responses, according to Danielle Levitas, IDC's vice president of Consumer and Broadband Markets research. Other issues important to respondents included:

• Warranty - consumers wanted more than three months or even a year on these new, expensive sets;
• Buyers want widescreen, but perceive 16:9 as significantly more expensive than 4:3 sets;
• Set up needs to be easier;
• Quality is important, yet many perceive most DTVs as comparable.

For more information visit www.idc.com.

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