European Sales Of HDTV Devices To Reach 28.1 Million Units
European sales of HDTV and video devices will grow by 158% this year, reaching 28.1 million units, according to new research from the Strategy Analytics Connected Home Devices service.
Most HDTV buyers a predicted to also purchase a high-definition set-top box, disc player, games console or digital media player.
David Mercer, principal analyst at Strategy Analytics, said: “Europe’s high definition TV transition is well under way.
“European consumers are beginning to buy HD-capable devices in huge quantities and there is a terrific opportunity for content providers and distributors to meet the growing desire for HD programming.”
The report concludes that by 2012, 44% of European homes will own HDTV receivers, in the form of set-top boxes and integrated digital TVs, compared to 27% with HD digital media players, 26% with HD disc players, and 15% with HD portable devices.
Peter King, director, Connected Home Devices, commented: “The trend toward high definition TV and video is being driven by surging demand for LCD and plasma TVs, the vast majority of which are capable of displaying HD.
“Awareness of high definition is growing all the time and we expect this to feed into growing sales of Blu-ray Disc players, high definition camcorders and other HD devices.”
A recent forecast from IMS Research said that 2007 could be the breakout year for HDTV, with several advances being made which will push the format forward (see 2007 Could Be Breakout Year For HDTV).
In other research, carried out for the BBC, it was claimed that the UK could lose between £4.1 billion and £15.6 billion in private and social value if high definition channels on the Freeview platform are not developed (see UK To Lose Billions If HD Channels On Freeview Not Developed).