Set Top Box Market Growth Mixed in 2009

Asia Grows While Europe Tumbles

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Asian market for set top boxes (STB) is estimated to have seen over 40% growth in shipments in 2009, according to In-Stat’s latest market estimates. Meanwhile, the European market saw unit shipments slip 11% in 2009. The North American market was up 2.5%, primarily due to a temporary surge in Digital Terrestrial (DTT) set top box shipments. Across all regions, except Asia, high definition (HD) boxes are growing, while standard definition boxes decline.

“The rapid growth in Asia is being driven by a surge in satellite set top box shipments, in conjunction with strong IPTV STB growth,” says Norm Bogen, VP of Digital Entertainment. “Europe is seeing shipment declines across all box types, including IPTV, satellite, cable and terrestrial.”

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

• Worldwide digital set top box product revenue was $4.4 billion in Q3 2009, on track to hit $19 billion for the year.
• IP STB shipments to telco TV service providers are slowing down as telco TV subscriber growth matures and moderates.
• In-Stat estimates 2009 North American cable set top box shipments will decline by over 3 million units.

Recent In-Stat research, 3Q09 Set Top Box Database Update (#IN0904638STBD), provides quarterly market tracking of set top box shipments, revenue and pricing by geographic region and by box type.