Annual shipments of set-top boxes will exceed 200mn by 2013, driven by demand for interactive and personalised television services, as providers overhaul their current installed base with next-generation models, according to a new report from US research firm Parks Associates.
"Consumers are attracted to the concept of connected CE, with one-third of US broadband households very interested in a set-top box that connects to their PC and Internet service as well as their TV," said Jayant Dasari, Research Analyst at Parks Associates. "While less than ten percent are willing to pay a monthly fee, demand is still on an upward trend, especially as the set-top connects to more and more services."
Growing demand for network-connected consumer electronics is also thought to be good news for service providers, especially cable and IPTV providers, which are leveraging the set-top box platform to support their multiplay strategies. With the box connected to a variety of sources, it is expected to expand the battle in the television services market to the entire digital home, according to Parks, affecting every service sector from energy management and security to voice and video.
From the article, "Annual STB shipments to exceed 200mn by 2013"
