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Confusion in US about HDTV despite purchase barriers falling
MUMBAI: The gap between the cost of a high-definition television (HDTV) and the amount US consumers are willing to pay is closing. The finding is contained in a study by Dove Consulting.
30 per cent of non-HDTV owners indicated they are willing to pay up to $700 for an HDTV. 20 per cent are willing to pay $1,000. While this news may be promising for future sales, consumers are unclear about the products, programming, and benefits of HDTV. 47 per cent of consumers surveyed do not know if programming is available in their area.
Furthermore, the variety of HDTV equipment remains confusing to consumers. 23 per cent were unsure whether they had an , even though definitions and descriptions of equipment were provided. Overall, only 17 per cent of consumers reported having a good understanding of the equipment, while nearly forty 40 per cent lacked knowledge or understanding. Over half of the consumers surveyed learned about programming access through advertisements
32 per cent got the information through their cable company representative and 11 per cent from retail store representatives. When asked to describe the type of person who would be interested in HDTV, very few consumers indicated that it is “someone like me.” As expected, once consumers have seen programming in high-definition, they want to see a lot more of it.
Dove’s Consumer Broadband practice MD Bob Davis added, “Think about it: the research shows that there is 87 per cent awareness. Over 80 per cent of the consumers are prepared to pay for content. And with very high satisfaction levels among current users, we have one of the best primed market opportunities we’ve seen in quite a while.”
The Dove HDTV Survey — Fall 2003 was administered via email. 1,556 complete surveys were received over a nine day period. Boston based Dove Consulting specialises in strategy and organisational effectiveness. Dove has been advising clients in the consumer broadband industry for ten years. The company has stated that it has worked with a variety of cable operators, cable networks, equipment manufacturers, and other broadband service providers on strategy, organisation design and new product development.
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.
