HDTV ‘on brink’ of mass market

Chris Forrester

"Only 4% of global TV homes actively watched HD programming by end-2008, though the proportion is expected to increase to 5.5% by end-2009. However, this represents nearly 65m households at end-2009, up 24m from the end of 2008. By 2013, we forecast that will rise to 214m HD active homes, representing 17% of TV households,” predicts Informa’s Simon Murray.

Informa Telecoms’ latest study* says HDTV is finally on the brink of mass market acceptance. “TV set and set-top box prices have fallen substantially in the last few years. National free-to-air broadcasters are launching HD services, which will further stimulate take-up,” says the report.

However, there’s also a word of caution. “Major sports events such as the Olympics spur FTA broadcasters to provide HD channels. These sporting events increase consumer awareness of HD. High-definition TV won’t take off in a territory until the main free-to-air broadcasters are involved,” says the study.