STBs Delivering HD Content Quality Offer Enhanced Resolution of Video Content

A set-top box (STB) is a device intended to receive, decode and, display the digital signal on television. Various types of STBs include satellite cable, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), Over the Top (OTT), and Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT).

Many STB devices are built with two-way communication facility. These devices include interactive features such as adding premium channels directly from the device or using internet.

Demand for HD Quality Content to Boost Adoption

Based on content quality, the STBs can be categorized into standard definition (SD), high definition (HD), and ultra-high definition (UHD)/4K. Demand for STBs with capability of delivering HD content quality will on the rise in the coming years. The HD devices are being extensively preferred over the SD devices and likely to follow this trend during the forecast period. STBs designed to produce HD quality content can offer greater resolution (over 1080 pixel). STBs delivering HD content quality offer enhanced resolution (over 1080p) of video content. It can also deliver better audio output with the surround sound. Many leading motion picture and sport production companies are preferring to provide only HD content.

Furthermore, many service providers across the world are introducing STBS with capability of delivering Ultra HD (UHD) and 3D content. Growing popularity of 4K TVs is also expected to increase the acceptance of 4K STBs in the coming years. For instance, recently, Huawei and Dolby Laboratories, Inc. launched Huawei Q22 set-top box. This is the IPTV set-top box, which supports Dolby Vision high-dynamic-range (HDR) technology. The device is intended to provide enhanced experience in music, gaming, broadcast, and other fields.

Market overview

According to a report published by Grand View Research, Inc.; the global set top box (STB) market is expected to reach a valuation of around USD 29.78 billion by 2024. Innovation in digital broadcast technologies coupled with intensifying demand for greater quality audio and video contents can boost the market from 2014 to 2024. In addition, growing adoption of analog TV to digital TV as a result of strict implementation of digitization can have positive impact on the market. Increasing demand for interactive digital entertainment services is also expected to bode well for the market.

North America is likely to display steady growth over the forecast period. Strong demand for 4K STBS and launch of numerous HD channels in the region are expected to drive the regional growth. On other hand, Asia Pacific was the leading region and likely to follow same trend over the forecast period. This can be credited to presence of government regulations to mandate cable digitization.

Some of the leading companies operating in the market include Cisco Systems, Inc.; Samsung Electronics Limited; Amazon.com, Inc.; Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.; and Amazon.com, Inc.