The worldwide market for integrated digital televisions (iDTVs) is forecast to exceed 26 million units by 2008, up from an estimated 1.5 million in 2003, according to a new study by IMS Research.
Currently, over half of total iDTV shipments have been to Japan, with the US and the UK each accounting for less than 20% of shipments. By 2008 iDTVs are expected to gain popularity in many other countries worldwide, following successful launches of free-to-air DTT services.
The US is set to become the dominant market, with demand driven by regulations such as the FCC Tuner Mandate. IMS also anticipates that China will become a significant market for iDTVs.
“As more digital programming options become available for iDTV consumers, manufacturers are working to reduce the overall cost of high-end television sets. We’re already seeing the price premium for some iDTVs drop well below that of an advanced set-top box,” said IMS analyst Anna Hunt.
