High definition (HD) TV owners are more satisfied with the picture quality than they are with the amount or selection of HD programming, according to research.
Nielsen Media Research’s 2007 High Definition Survey reveals 85pc of HDTV owners gave a four out of five or five out of five rating for picture quality but only 39pc provided the same rating for programme selection.
“Nielsen’s High Definition Survey shows that HD technology is outpacing content, although a few networks do score high in consumer satisfaction,” said Steve McGowan, Nielsen Senior Vice President Client Research Initiatives.
“Television owners clearly feel that HD viewing is a more intense experience than standard television and there are early indications that the acquisition of an HD television can, initially at least, stimulate the type of television that is viewed,” McGowan added.
Women were slightly more positive about HD picture quality than men.
Respondents in general were less happy with the actual number of HD channels they receive as fewer than 40pc were somewhat or very satisfied with the amount or selection of HD programming.
Women and respondents over 50 were the most positive, while those with an HD-DVR unit were least satisfied with the HD channel selection.
Sports and movies are the categories most frequently watched in HD with only 12pc of respondents to the survey indicating they never watch movies in HD at home.
Music and reality TV shows are the least frequently watched HD content.
ESPN HD was the most popular sports channel, Discovery HD was the most watched channel for documentaries and HPO HD was the most watched channel for movies.
Almost a fifth of respondents to the Nielsen survey say they watch more TV since they got their HD set.
By John Kennedy
