HD Remains High on Holiday Wish Lists

11.18.2009

With HD penetration approaching the 50-percent mark in American households in late 2009, it would be reasonable to think that HD-centric products finally might take a backseat to other wish-list items as the holiday sales season approaches. But a new survey indicates that only computers and cash or gift cards rank above HDTV from a possible 15 product categories.

The new study from PriceGrabber.com canvassed nearly 4,700 consumers online (and was, therefore, unscientific) regarding which holiday gifts they would most prefer to receive for the 2009 holiday season.

HDTV sets (no particular formats or systems noted) finished third of the list of 15 possibles — coming in over the fourth-place finisher, "Jewelry/Watches." Topping the wish list were "Computers, Laptops" and "Money or Gift Cards" in the runner-sup slot.

HD preferences or not, price points will make a bigger difference this season than last year, which also suffered through a sluggish economy. More than half of those surveyed (54 percent) say they "plan to spend less" in coming weeks. About 42 percent plan to "spend about the same as last year," and a lucky 5 percent vow "to spend more" than in 2008.