The global switchover from analogue to digital TV services is fuelling the growth of digital set top boxes – but growth will vary widely across regional markets depending on digital platforms and types of services and technologies offered.
A report by Digital Tech Consulting (DTC) has revealed that emerging technologies including HDTV services as well as the expansion of digital TV subscription services in developing countries will be the main driving force for STB sales in the next few years.
Several large pay TV markets like China and India are only just beginning the transition to digital technology and promise robust growth over the decade.
There’s also more competition on existing mature markets like the US and Europe with increasing importance on new technologies and services such as HDTV and PVR. The rise of bundled services is also spurring growth in subscribers and upgrades.
According to DTC, the growth of STB sales will vary by region. While North America accounted for 43% of units shipped in 2006, this market share is expected to fall to 34% by 2012. By contrast, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to rise from 26% to 36% in the same period with EMEA holding steady at around 30%.
Related stories
European market to have eight million AVC set-top boxes by 2010
Sony claim Blu-ray growing in developing markets
http://www.hdtvuk.tv/2007/08/pace_wins_extra.html
From: Sony to double BRAVIA LCD TV production for growing European demand