Though there has been concern on Capitol Hill over consumers' readiness for the impending digital TV transition, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) reports that over 50 percent of American households now own a digital TV.

"We have crossed a critical threshold," Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA, said in a statement.

Approximately 57 million Americans now own digital televisions, according to CEA. The organization based its figures on market research data from the TV and consumer electronics manufacturers that make up its association, as well as consumer research conducted by CEA itself, according to a spokesman.

Revenue for digital TV sales is expected to grow by 11 percent to $25 billion in 2007; a number CEA predicts will increase an additional 13 percent in 2008.

"Consumers are particularly keen to add HDTV to their homes, with high definition expected to account for 79 percent of total DTV shipments in the U.S. in 2008," Shapiro said.

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