Research released today by the British Video Association (BVA) has suggested that the average British living room is stuck in 1992, often featuring an array of outdated technology including VHS recorders and cassette players.

The study of over 2,000 Brits revealed that while seven per cent of households are equipped with the latest consumer technology, including Blu-ray Disc players, almost half still own a VHS player that hasn’t been used in at least six months. Meanwhile, 22% admit owning a dial-up modem they have not used in 18 months. In total, Britain is sitting on a huge 130,000 tons of redundant technology.

While 11 million households own a HD Ready television many are missing out on the full high definition experience because they continue to use out of date equipment alongside the new set, the research – commissioned by the British Video Association – discovered.

Cassette tapes are highest on the list of out-of-date technologies that consumers have yet to part with. Though no longer used, 55% are hanging on to them.

Simon Heller from the BVA commented: “While we may consider ourselves technophiles, nostalgia and fear of the unknown mean many UK homes resemble shrines to the 1990s. With more and more of us choosing to stay in at the moment, it seems that Brits are compromising their movie experience rather than enhancing it. If you really want to bring the cinema home you need to watch movies on Blu-ray Disc, which gives you an unprecedented High Definition movie experience, with five times great picture clarity and superior sound.”

Story filed 23.10.09