Connected STB shipments to double by 2017

The global market for connectable set-top boxes (STBs) is expected to surge by 91 per cent from 2012 through 2017, driven by a number of factors including the adoption of multimedia home gateways (MHGs).

Worldwide shipments of connectable STBs are forecast to rise to 125.6 million units in 2017, up from 65.8 million in 2012, according to the latest Set-Top Box Market Monitor report from IHS. A total of 45 per cent of all STBs shipped in 2017 will be connectable, up from 26 per cent in 2012.

A connectable STB is a set-top box that can be linked to an IP network. Such boxes typically integrate an Ethernet port or Wi-Fi, allowing a connection to networks located within homes. All types of pay-TV operators — i.e. cable, satellite and IPTV providers — are distributing connectable STBs.

MHGs and thin clients for cable systems will represent a major growth driver for connectable STBs. These devices will account for 25 per cent of connectable box shipments between 2013 and 2017.

An MHG is a converged STB/residential gateway device that directly processes video signals for all IP distribution and routing to multiple client devices within a home. A thin client is a partner device to an MHG that is used to interface between the IP-based, in-home video signals and a television. Thin clients do not contain broadcast tuners or hard disk drives.

In 2013, IPTV pay-TV operators will account for the largest share of the connectable STB market, with 39 per cent of shipments. However, the coming years will see a rapid increase in shipments of cable HD STBs by Chinese operators and MHG migration throughout the rest of the world. Because of this, cable will be the major driver of growth in connectable STB, with shipments rising at a rate of about 25.4 per cent a year to reach 45.8 million shipments in 2017.

North America is at present the largest market for connectable pay-TV STBs, accounting for an estimated 41 per cent share of global shipments in 2013. The region is expected to retain its global lead through 2017.

However, Asia-Pacific is expected to experience the fastest growth during the period from 2012 to 2017, with shipments expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.2 per cent.

Source: http://cablequest.org/news/technology-news/item/3376-connected-stb-shipments-to-double-by-2017.htmlSource: http://cablequest.org/news/technology-news/item/3376-connected-stb-shipments-to-double-by-2017.html