A new report from US-based IMS Research forecasts that an influx of Freeview-ready DVD recorders to the UK will have exceeded 3.6 million units by 2009, thereby potentially boosting Freeview’s service with an extra 1.8 million viewers.
According to this research, half of the 3.6 million DVD recorders expected to hit British shores by the end of the decade will be able to receive Freeview’s digital television channels. It is also predicted that around 70% of this equipment will contain a built-in hard drive.
It is anticipated that the first Freeview-capable devices are likely to reach the UK High Street in time for Christmas 2004 and should be compatible with the newly created EPG for Freeview.
On a global scale, IMS Research forecasts a massive increase in the market for consumer DVD recorders, growing from 4.5 million in 2003 to 61 million in 2009. They also predict that PVR technology and digital tuners will have become standard issue for the majority of recorders by the end of the decade.
Last month figures from the BBC showed that Freeview had extended its popularity to an estimated 4 million UK homes. Having launched less than two years ago, BBC’s digital television channels, radio networks and interactive services are now available in over 13 million UK households(see Freeview Reaches 4 Million UK Homes).
However, the success of Freeview could be hit by the launch of BSkyB’s free-to-air satellite package of more than 200 television and radio channels later this year. The BBC is believed to be contemplating its own Freesat offering, although plans were derailed last month after Channel 4 signed a three year contract extension for access on Sky.
In April, media services agency ZenithOptimedia, said that Freeview was helping to spur on the popularity of digital television. Since September 2003, digital TV has grown from 7% to 49% with Freeview accounting for one third of the total market(see Freeview Increases Digital Popularity).
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