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Americans remain wary about HDTV: Research
MUMBAI: While content providers in the US are studying how the advent of HDTV will impact the entertainment landscape, research conducted by global market research firm Ipsos Insight shows that many consumers are still hesitant about this new technology.
It is not a matter of basic awareness. While 90 per cent of all Americans have heard of HDTV, only 47 per cent say that they know anything substantial about it. Only 15 per cent say that they are somewhat or very likely to get HDTV. These were the same levels in 2004.
Among the fairly static group of US consumers that report familiarity with HDTV in the past year, the perceived benefits have remained quite high. The critical issue today is that many consumers know HDTV exists, but haven’t been convinced that it offers enough benefit to justify replacing their current TV sets. Some of the reluctance to become more familiar with HDTV may have to do with this ‘worth it’ hurdle.
The ‘worth it’ hurdle means the incremental benefit to the consumer, balanced against the cost and hassle of experiencing that benefit, including evaluating alternatives, learning how to use the new technology, and any ‘hidden’ costs like upgraded receiver boxes.
The report notes that awareness levels have topped out as the range of HDTV-related technology products and services are promoted by HDTV. The research firm sees both the need and an opportunity to develop the market beyond the early adopter stage, to create mainstream momentum.
Most survey respondents familiar with HDTV recall having seen an ad for HDTV in the past month (84 per cent), and three quarters (74 per cent) have looked into the capability in store.
The study notes that the lack of growth in consumers’ HDTV purchase intentions in the past three years suggests that the value proposition hasn’t been made compelling to enough consumers yet. Marketers and advertisers who can get consumers over the ‘worth-it’ hurdle will reap the benefits of this exciting new technology.
At some point, the firms who have invested in this technology have to amortise that investment, and sooner or later that has to entail further reductions in price points that turn ‘theoretical’ margin into actual margin.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
