Awareness of the transition to digital television (DTV) among African-Americans has jumped sharply during the first half of 2008, according to a new poll released by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB).

In a telephone survey conducted between March 29 and May 13, 85 percent of African-American households reported being aware that television broadcasting would be switching to an all-digital format. This reflects a 12 percent increase in less than six months. An NAB-commissioned survey in January 2008 found 73 percent of African-Americans were aware of the transition.

With the vast majority of the American public aware of the switch, the current poll also found that many households have begun exploring concrete steps to help make the switch.

Among U.S. households that rely exclusively on free, over-the-air television, 64 percent have already taken some type of action to prepare for the February 17, 2009, switch to all-digital broadcasting. Those actions include either learning about or applying for a $40 TV converter box coupon provided by the federal government, as well as shopping for a DTV converter box.

The transition will require broadcast-only households, meaning homes that use antennas to watch TV on analog sets and don't subscribe to a pay TV service, to upgrade their sets to enjoy DTV.