Worldwide sales of digital TV set-top boxes broke through the 100-million barrier for the first time in 2007, according to Strategy Analytics' Connected Home Devices research report. The report found sales increased by 12 percent over the year, and reached 102.4 million units in 2007. The impending change from analog to digital television in the U.S. is expected to drive a big increase in STB numbers over the next few years. The report forecasts 2012 annual global sales of all digital TV set-top boxes will reach nearly 200 million units.
IPTV's market share rose sharply but off a low base up to 5.9%, compared to 3.6% in 2006. Cable's share also rose, to 36.2%, while satellite and terrestrial shares declined.
In regional terms the report expects the Asia-Pacific region to overtake North America and Europe in 2008 and to account for a third of this year's 129 million sales. "Sales of digital terrestrial TV boxes in Europe have now plateaued as consumers begin to transition to integrated digital TV sets, but this pattern is unlikely to prevent overall market growth across all platforms," Strategy Analytics' Director, Peter King said.
"The set-top box remains the key gateway to advanced , digital television services around the world," says David Mercer, Principal Analyst. "Added value services such as high definition TV, digital video recording and Internet video are all set to drive further growth in this strategically important sector."
For more:
- Strategy Analytics blog
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