Report: Set-Top Volumes to Grow in '09

Despite the economic downturn, set-top box shipments will see almost 10 percent growth over the previous year according to IMS Research. The firm said television remains one of the most economical forms of entertainment available and is traditionally one of the last expenses to be cut in tough times.
 
IMS Research expects the growth of digital TV households to continue as digital services become available to new markets. Digital TV services, including HD, are also providing consumers the option of staying home to watch movies and sporting events, rather than paying for tickets and concessions at the theater or sports field. IMS Research is forecasting that worldwide digital TV households will still see 20 percent growth over 2008.

However, the research firm added that annual set-top revenues are near their peak, which the firm forecasts to be $19 billion in 2011, and prices of most types of set-top box are expected to decline by more than 10 percent each year.