Brits to Go into High-def Hibernation

As winter approaches, Britons increasingly shun going out in favor of nights at home with their top-end technology, according to new research by the British Video Association (BVA). 73% of the British public now spends between one and six hours a day staying in to enjoy home entertainment - leaving almost no time for a quick trip down the local pub. The top reason among those who have invested in home cinema in the last two years is to enjoy recent advances in sound and picture quality (27%), but one in ten (10%) say they did so because it's cheaper than going out.

An online survey reveals that half of those asked (50%) have invested in home entertainment technology for the living room in the last two years. This includes: HDTVs (28%), video games consoles (20%), cable satellite and HD services (17%) and Blu-ray players (10%).

More than one in four (26%) say enjoying home entertainment is one of the most important ways they now socialize with their loved ones.

Lavinia Carey, Director General of the British Video Association, said: "Improvements in home entertainment technology over the last few years have increased the appeal of that cinema experience in our own living rooms. With the World Cup earlier this year also giving HDTV a big boost, we expect to see more people than ever staying at home to enjoy HD, 3D and Blu-ray as a way to beat the winter blues."

The research was conducted over two surveys with sample sizes 2,151 and 1,983 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken October 8-11 and October 15-18. The surveys were carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).