Nielsen: TV homes will decline in 2012

About 3 percent of U.S. homes don't have a TV, which is the highest level since 1975, according to Nielsen. The ratings firm also projects that the number of TV homes will decline from 115.9 million in 2011 to 114.7 million next year.

The number of viewers who are relying on online video for home entertainment could be contributing to the decline in TV homes. But Nielsen says in its "Television Audience" report that penetration of subscription TV packages from cable operators and satellite providers remained flat this year, at 90 percent.

While fewer homes own a TV, there are also more homes buying multiple TVs. Nielsen says the about 56 percent of households own three or more TVs. About 51 percent of homes subscribe to digital cable, and about 41 percent of homes have a DVR, according to Nielsen.

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- the Kansas City Star has this story

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