HDTV sales strong -- among wealthier consumers, study says

0 Comments | USA TODAY, October, 2006 | by David Lieberman

NEW YORK -- Electronics stores are selling lots of HDTV sets, but that doesn't mean the technology has gone mainstream just yet. Well-to-do consumers still dominate buying: 26% of HDTV owners have more than one set -- up from 11% last year -- according a study out today from Leichtman Research Group.

"That's a dramatic difference," says Bruce Leichtman, president and principal analyst. "What is developing is an HD divide. If I'm a marketer, I realize I'm not just selling to new customers. I'm selling to a lot of existing customers." About a sixth of all homes have at least one HDTV, up from 1-in-14 two years ago, according to LRG's study, "HDTV 2006: Consumer Awareness, Interest and Ownership." But owners still average a household income of $89,500 -- 42% above the national...