Research Reveals Dramatic HDTV Growth among US Homes

A new study reveals that 77 percent of US households now own an HDTV, while smart TV adoption is minimal and awareness for 4K displays remains low. 

According to a survey of 1,231 United States households conducted by the Leichtman Research Group, the majority of American homes now feature HDTVs, with 77 percent owning at least one HDTV. Likewise, 46 percent own multiple high definition displays. While these high numbers might not come as a surprise to many, just five years ago these stats were significantly lower, with just 34 percent of households owning at least one HDTV and a paltry 11 percent owning multiple displays. Furthermore, even when one factors in households that don't own any high-def televisions, 59 percent of all TVs in US homes are now HDTVs. This number was only 18 percent in 2008, demonstrating a dramatic growth in consumer adoption and mainstream appeal.

In addition to HDTVs, the study also revealed some surprising facts about Ultra HD awareness and smart TV ownership. Based on the same study, only 14 percent of US homes have an internet connected smart TV, and connected smart TVs make up just 7 percent of all televisions used in US households. And while HDTV adoption is now in the majority, 4K awareness remains low. According to the survey, 30 percent of US adults are aware of Ultra HD technology, and of that 30 percent, only about one-third have seen a 4K TV in person. Even more telling, just 15 percent of those who have heard of Ultra HD and 28 percent who have seen one, are actually interested in buying a display.

While these numbers reveal a relatively slow start for Ultra HD, considering the steady and dramatic growth that HD has seen in the last five years, consumer interest could certainly take off as manufacturers continue to push 4K adoption.     

Source: Leichtman Research Group via TWICE      

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