A new study published by CIT Research called Satellite Communications In Europe 1995, predicts that by the year 2004, nearly 9 million European households could own a digital satellite receiver.
Although the future of digital terrestrial television in many countries is as yet unsettled, the study points to the potential for satellite delivered digital TV broadcasts, which so far have been aimed solely at Cable TV. However, direct-to-home (DTH) transmission is set to begin soon, and several companies, including BSkyB, have announced plans to start digital transmissions.
One of the advantages of digital transmission is that the broadcasters can transmit channels more cheaply, and therefore will be able to supply many more channels than today. Services being considered include Near Video On Demand, which consists of a few blockbuster movies being continually shown on several channels with slightly staggered start times. Viewers would only need to wait a few minutes before being able to watch the film they want.
Rob Ollerenshaw, CIT’s Director of Market Analysis predicts that within the next ten years the number of homes with satellite dishes in Europe could double to over 20 million.
However, Ollerenshaw warns against over-optimism “Digital broadcasting is unlikely to transform the face of satellite broadcasting overnight. Broadcasters cannot afford to switch straight to digital and cut off their current viewers. They will have to transmit both digital and analogue signals for many years to come.”
CIT Research Ltd: 0171 486 3500
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