Set Top Box Is an Integral Part of the Television Industry

 

A set top box is a hardware device that receives a digital signal, decodes it, and displays it on television. A computing device is required to convert a digital signal into an analog signal. Thus, a chipset is embedded in the set top box. In some broader context, set-top boxes are also known as receivers that receive a broadcast signal. The set top box demodulates the received broadcast signal in audio and visual content that can be captured, recorded, and displayed. Set-top boxes are often used in various satellite and cable television applications.

In terms of geography, the set-top boxes market is divided into six regions, such as North America, Europe, South America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. On the basis of technology, the market is divided into different types, such as cable, IPTV (internet protocol television), DTH/satellite, and other types such as DTT (digital terrestrial television) and OTT (Over-The-Top). Technological advancements, such as the introduction of 4K TV’s, are expected to augment the market growth. Moreover, setting up 4K set-top boxes is a major initiative by many operators to enrich customer satisfaction. For instance, in September 2019, ZTE Corp. introduced far-field 4K AI STB S200 at the 2019 International Broadcasting Convention. The new 4K set top box is an all-in-one home assistant with functions, such as home networking, home media sharing, home control, smart speaker, and IPTV/OTT services.

Moreover, the government regulations mandating the installation of set-top boxes are expected to drive the set-top boxes market growth. For instance, the Government of India has made set-top boxes mandatory through an amendment to the Cable Television Networks Act. India is a huge market for set-top boxes. As of the end of September 2019, there were around 69.30 million subscribers in India. Moreover, the highest subscriber base was also recorded in 2019, according to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.

The growing integration of OTT (Over-The-Top) and IPTV (internet protocol television) is also expected to augment the set-top boxes market growth. Moreover, key players operating in the market are focused on developing and launching new products in the market to strengthen their product portfolio and market presence. For instance, in 2020, ZTE Corporation launched three products, such as Far-field 4K AI Soundbar STB 3000, ZTE ZXV10 B866V2-H STB (set top box), and ZTE ZXV10 B836CT STB (set top box), at the 2020 International Broadcasting Convention. Technological advances have increased the demand for set-top boxes integrated with several innovative features.