6.5 Million U.S. Homes Unprepared for DTV

NEW YORK: New Nielsen data reveals that 5.7 percent of American households, accounting for some 6.5 million homes, are unprepared for the impending switch to digital television.

Those homes would not be able to receive any TV programming if the analogue switch-off occurred today, Nielsen said, an improvement of 1.3 million homes since the end of December. The transition is scheduled for February 17, but some consumer groups and politicians have been lobbying for a delay in the cut-off date, in light of the lack of funding for initiatives that assist people in making the switch.