The number of homes receiving analogue television broadcasts is set to decline by 24% worldwide between 2002 and 2008, according to a new set of forecasts from Strategy Analytics.
As the penetration of digital platforms increases, the number of analogue homes is set to fall from 597 million in 2002 to 455 million by 2008. By this time, North America and Europe will be the most advanced markets in the switch to digital, but the majority of homes in the rest of the world will still use analogue terrestrial TV as their primary service, says the report.
Realistic switch-off strategy Strategy Analytics warns that even in the most advanced digital markets, governments must come up with realistic analogue switch-off strategies which account for the additional costs of conversion ‘hundreds of millions secondary TV sets and video recorders.’
“Analog switch-off is seen as a key policy goal by most governments,” notes Nick Griffiths, director of the Global Broadband Practice. “Releasing this valuable spectrum could ultimately lead to major new commercial and public revenue opportunities.”
However, the report suggests that few, if any, countries will be 100% digital until well into the next decade. Some countries, such as Germany, will instead seek to use analogue platforms such as cable as an alternative to terrestrial broadcasting.
Broadcasters relying largely or wholly on analogue terrestrial broadcasting for access to viewers must consider implementing alternative strategies and distribution partnerships in order to safeguard their long term business,” recommends the report.
