Consumers that still watch TV shows and movies on standard-definition cathode ray tubes - the technology inside analog television sets - appear to be in the minority, a new report found.

 

According to a recent study by ORC, close to two-thirds of U.S. households now have a high definition TV, and another 12 percent plan to buy one over the next two years. Based on the numbers and ORC estimates, nearly three out of four households will have an HDTV by 2012.

 

“As movie studios, cable and satellite operators, and broadcast networks offer more and more high definition programming, consumers are responding by upgrading to high-definition televisions,” Manuel Flores, vice president and director of ORC’s Technology Market Insights Practice, said. “While purchase intention over the next 24 months looks promising, the economy remains a major hurdle to sustainable growth. However, manufacturers must continually introduce new products to attract new customers.”

 

In the age where digital media reigns and consumers crave faster technology, more brilliant devices, HD technology is gaining stream. And in the TV space, the recent drop in prices of HDTV sets will only drive consumer interest. And despite the recession, consumers appear to be willing to spend their money on the new technology.

 

So, what are the most popular brands of HDTVs? Sony tops the list with 43 percent of respondents associated that brand as having the best quality, followed by Samsung (News - Alert) at 11 percent. Rounding the top five were Panasonic at 5 percent nod, Vizio with 4 percent, and Phillips and LG at 3 percent, respectively.

 

The ORC also found that while HDTV itself is popular, the potential for 3D TV is rather low. Despite the hype over 3D technology at the CES (News - Alert) show in Las Vegas earlier this month, just 5 percent of respondents said they plan to buy a 3D-capable television in the next two years.