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A government survey of 1000 people indicates that most Americans know little or nothing about digital television. Fewer than half of those surveyed claimed to know the difference between analog and digital: 40% said they had never heard of digital television, while 43% claimed to be "somewhat aware" that a change is taking place in TV and broadcasting technology.

The survey was conducted by the General Accounting Office at the behest of Representative Ed Markey, ranking Democrat on the US House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee for Telecommunications and was presented to Congress on Monday, December 2. The GAO concluded that the transition to digital won't gain the needed momentum until the general public becomes aware of the format.

Despite plunging prices and the increasing availability of programming, DTVs accounted for only 5% of total television sales in 2001. Most large-screen DTVs were purchased for use with DVD players. The FCC is pushing for greater effort from all involved in the changeover—broadcasters, cable providers, and electronics manufacturers. Direct broadcast satellite services were the first to deliver high-definition programming.

The GAO report reiterates the steps that need to be taken to insure the format's success: "adoption of DTV equipment by consumers, cable carriage of digital broadcast signals, and the availability and provision of digital programming." The agency suggested a deadline for cable operators to begin transmitting digital signals, an eventuality that will be eased by the adoption of interoperability standards now under discussion. Representative Markey said he would incorporate the GAO's suggestions in upcoming legislative proposals for promoting DTV.