Advanced Set-Top Boxes To Inspire Satellite Sector
Although there are only a small number of products on the market, advanced set-top boxes have the potential to significantly enhance our viewing and online experiences. A new report from Strategy Analytics claims that sales of these boxes, known as “thick clients” will reach 33.5 million by 2008.
The report, entitled Set-Top Box Evolution: From Thin Client to Broadband Media Centre analyses the marketability of devices enabling personal video recording, home networking and other functions. It concludes that the cable industry, with its inherent broadband connectivity, will concentrate on the rollout of “thin clients” such as Video-On-Demand (See Cable Operators Throw Weight Behind VOD). Satellite players are therefore encouraged to invest in more advanced set-top terminals to satisfy tech-savvy consumers.
“The thin client will continue to play a vital role in providing entry-level digital television services to cost-concious consumers,” commented Peter King, Director of Broadband Device Strategies at Strategy Analytics. “But successful manufacturers will offer operators a range of higher spec products in order to address the market’s growing fragmentation.”
| Advanced DTV Set-Top Box Global Market Forecasts (millions of sales)* | ||||||||
| Year | 2001 | 2002 | 2003 | 2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 |
| Basic PVR | 0.19 | 0.96 | 2.25 | 3.61 | 6.12 | 10.37 | 15.49 | 21.00 |
| Broadband Media Centre | 0.00 | 0.01 | 0.29 | 1.05 | 2.33 | 3.82 | 5.61 | 8.01 |
| Total | 0.19 | 0.97 | 2.54 | 4.66 | 8.45 | 14.19 | 21.10 | 29.01 |
| * includes cable and satellite set-top boxes only | ||||||||
| Source: Strategy Analytics, November 2002 | ||||||||
