New York - The global market for set-top boxes is projected to grow steadily over the next few years, before peaking at shipments of about 110 million in 2012 and beginning a gradual decline, according to a report from market research firm ABI Research.

Sales of basic set-tops are already in decline, while HD-only and DVR-only set-tops are showing the first signs of downturn; from 2009 on, the firm expects to see market share increase for combined HD/DVR offerings.

The decline in shipments after 2012 will be due in part to the expected completion of the transition to digital TV broadcasting in most developed countries, and the integration of set-top components into televisions themselves.

Revenue from set-top boxes is expected to follow a different course.

"[Set-top box] revenues for all platforms have declined significantly between 2007 and 2009, but will recover by 2010 and remain relatively stable through at least 2013," said ABI Research principal analyst Robert Clark.

Related Links:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20081119005789/en

http://www.abiresearch.com