Almost 20 percent of U.S. households with television sets are not yet ready, completely or partly, for the transition to digital TV in February 2009, Bloomberg reported.

More than nine million homes would not have a compatible TV set if the switch happened today, while another 12.6 million households have at least one set unable to receive digital signals, according to Nielsen Co. in an e-mailed statement to Bloomberg.

Major broadcast stations will stop traditional analog broadcasts on Feb. 17, 2009, which means households must have digital equipment or be connected to cable or satellite services. However, many consumers don't know how to prepare for the transition, according to a Consumers Union survey released Wednesday, Bloomberg reported.

"Millions of consumers remain confused about how to prepare. They are vulnerable to wasting money on unneeded or unwanted equipment,'' said Joel Kelsey, a policy analyst for the non-profit group, in a statement accompanying the survey.

Four out of 10 incorrectly believe all TVs need a digital converter box, and one-fourth believe they must subscribe to pay TV, according to the survey. A box is not required for digital TVs, and viewers can receive signals through antennas if they have a digital TV or converter box, Bloomberg reported.

Those households less affluent and less educated, as well as Hispanic and African-American homes are more likely to be unready for the transition, Nielsen stated.