Around 2.8 million American households (2.5 per cent of the US TV market) have not switched to DTV yet, despite Friday's switchover.

Initially setting 17 Feb as switchover, this was delayed because of fears that millions would not be able to take advantage of the converter box coupons.

This delay seems like a good move as the number of households unready for the change has dropped from 5.8m to 2.8m, according to Nielsen.

"Given the importance that television plays in the day-to-day life of most people, we expect that most of the remaining unready homes will take the necessary steps to get ready once the stations make the final switch to digital transmission," Sara Erichson, President Media Client Services, Nielsen, said.

More than $1.5 billion was set aside for digital-converter coupons. However, young adults, African American households and Hispanic homes are more likely to be unready for the change, according to Nielsen.

Also according to Nielsen, Albuquerque-Santa Fe is the least ready with 7.6 percent of households completely unprepared. Households most likely to be unready are in the western United States, where cable penetration is lower.

Labels: DTV