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American Homes Have More TVs, as Usage Shifts


The average American home now has 2.93 television sets per household, up from 2.86 sets per home in 2009 -- the largest year-over-year increase since 2006 according to the latest Nielsen market study.

This year the number of U.S. homes with three or more TV sets increased to 55 percent -- with 28 percent having two sets and 17 percent have just one set.

The report also finds that while the total population continues to increase, the number of people per TV home holds steady at 2.5, continuing the recent trend of more TVs per home than people.

Other findings from the Nielsen market study include:

- Less than 10 percent of U.S. homes receive their TV signal over-the-air.

- 34 percent of American homes have a digital video recorder (DVR).

- 46 percent of U.S. homes are able to receive a high-definition (HD) signal.

- Total advertising spending on U.S. Network television in 2009 is down 10 percent from last year while spending on Cable is up 16 percent.

- The Business and Finance category is the top category overall as it continues to lead all others in advertising spending across all media.

- The total number of programs has increased since last year. General dramas continue to dominate the lineups, comprising 40 percent (79 of 199) of the programs.

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