HDTV Ownership Jumps 73%, Fuels BD Growth

High-definition television ownership in the US jumped 73% in the past year (to about a third, up from 19.3% a year earlier), due to falling prices and the upcoming switch to all-digital broadcasts. The leap also fueled growth in spending on Blu-ray players and software, Nielsen reported last week.

The higher number of HDTV households has helped boost BD spending even as overall home entertainment sales fell. Meanwhile, the number of Blu-ray players sold in the first quarter jumped 72% from a year earlier because of more HDTVs in households and falling prices.

"Despite the current economic climate, HD is on course to becoming the benchmark in television viewing," Nielsen said. "As prices of HDTVs continue to fall and circumstances such as the Digital Television Transition create opportunities to further promote HD sets and services, HDTV will gain a greater foothold in U.S. television homes."