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Global Digital TV Set-Top Box Sales To Hit 122m By 2008

Global Digital TV Set-Top Box Sales To Hit 122m By 2008

Sales of digital TV set-top boxes will rise by 39% to a record 50.3 million units in 2004, according to the latest research from Strategy Analytics. This follows the recovery in demand seen during 2003, when sales will reach 36 million units, an increase of 28%.

Strategy Analytics says that key growth areas in 2004 will be satellite in Europe and cable in Asia-Pacific. Strong demand for digital satellite systems in the US and Europe, as well as the revival of the digital terrestrial market in Europe, were responsible for the recovery in set-top box sales during 2003.

Prices are falling at around 12% a year, with the average set-top box now costing just over $200 (£113). Increasing demand for higher value Digital Video Recorders and high-definition television (HDTV) will help counteract the trend towards cheaper, entry-level devices, says the report.

Satellite boxes currently dominate the market, with 61% of sales. By 2008, however, cable is expected to become the leading digital platform, with a 47% share, followed by satellite with 37% and terrestrial with 10%.

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