Best Buy: Consumers slow to act on DTV switch

MINNEAPOLIS According to a recent Best Buy survey, while 88% of consumers are aware of the digital broadcast transition, 45% of those who haven't already prepared for the switch said they would wait until after Feb. 17, 2009, when the transition will occur, to take action.

The survey also found that 31% of television owners weren't aware of the type of TV they have - analog or digital and 18% with an analog TV believe nothing will happen after the DTV transition, and that their analog televisions will look similar.

“At Best Buy we have been encouraging consumers to act sooner rather than later to get ready for the DTV transition,” said Mike Mohan, senior vp of consumer electronics for Best Buy. “In addition to detailed information on our Web site, bestbuy.com, we have trained home theater specialists in our stores and on our dedicated hotline to help answer questions and help people prepare now.”