HD PVRs expected to see significant growth

As TV viewers continue to embrace high-definition content along with standard-definition viewing material, the use of set-top boxes and other personal video recorders will increase in the years to come, In-Stat claims in a new report.

PVRs offer recorded content and time-shifting so live content can be easily manipulated and altered depending on viewer preferences.  Similar to a shift from SD DVDs to HD Blu-ray, the industry is expected to see a higher demand for recorded HD content.

The use of HD PVRs will increase 61 percent through 2014, and the continued migration towards HD will increase at a more rapid pace.  From 2009 to 2014, overall digital set-top box unit shipments will slide 10 percent, but the use of digital personal video recorders will increase 57 percent over the next four years.

SD PVRs will see a decline from 1.4 billion down to 438 million over four years, while HD PVR shipments will increase.

Asia controls the worldwide digital set-top market, according to In-Stat, with 36 percent marketshare.  Western Europe will see extremely strong demand for HD set-top boxes during the next few years, as viewers in the region become familiar with newer technologies.

Companies are making a continued shift towards the living room, with content providers anxious to stream content and provide new entertainment options.  Newer HDTV’s, Blu-ray players, and other consumer electronics are now also including movie and content streaming, with the trend expected to continue in the future.