The Rise and Rise of Digital TV Western Europe smashes through 100 million digital homes barrier

5th August 2008. New research published today by Informa Telecoms & Media shows that digital TV penetration of Western European households broke the 50% barrier in 2007, ending the year at 54%, up from 42% at end-2006. The 12th edition of Informa’s Western European TV report forecasts that digital homes in the region will reach 104 million by the end of 2008, rising to 157 million by 2013, equivalent to a 90% penetration rate.

Despite the rosy picture, full digital conversion is only expected in four (Finland, France, Ireland and the UK) of Western Europe’s 15 major broadcast countries. Adam Thomas, Informa’s Media Research Manager, said: “While cable will remain the region’s leading pay TV platform, the satellite subscriber base is eating into its dominance. Satellite’s much higher ARPU levels mean it will overhaul cable in revenue terms during 2009.”

Cable is also expected to lose its position as the leading platform, when digital terrestrial TV (DTT) overtakes it in 2011. According to Thomas: “DTT often provides a similar channel line-up to analogue cable, usually for no monthly fee, so will benefit from churning cable customers. IPTV is also using attractive triple-play bundles to tempt away cable subscribers.”

The UK is currently the most prominent digital market, accounting for 25% of the region’s digital TV homes, followed by France with a 20% share and Germany with 17%. The UK’s dominance has begun to wane though, as other markets show improved digital growth rates and by 2013 Germany will lead the way with 19% of the total.

The 400-page report Western European Television (12th Edition) is published by Informa Telecoms & Media. Informa Telecoms & Media produces a wide range of media business publications, including TV International, New Media Markets, Cable & Satellite Europe and Television Business International. It publishes a market-leading portfolio of regional TV reports – including Asia Pacific TV, Americas TV, Middle East & North Africa TV and Eastern European TV.