Set-Top Box Market Size

Set Top Box Market Analysis

The Set-Top Box Market size is estimated at USD 267.52 million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 336.75 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 4.71% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The government imposed lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic to stop the virus's transmission, which had impacted the supply chains of numerous telecom service providers.

• The need for set-top boxes that deliver HD and UHD content is driven by the need for higher picture resolution, which is parallel to the rising sales of high-definition TVs. In addition, the strong demand for an android set-top box for improving engagement with subscribers and creating value for every member's home entertainment service is primarily driving the market's growth. Moreover, as set-top box enhances the quality of cable networks, it is well adopted in cable networks due to the benefits of various value-added services, like HD channels, channel pack subscriptions, and interactive videos.
• The STB market is also being driven by government rules mandating the installation of set-top boxes, the deployment of OS-based devices by STB makers, and the move from analogue switch-off to digital switch-off in developing nations. For instance, the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act was amended by the Indian government to mandate STBs. Due to digital transmissions, set-top boxes offer a better viewing experience and aid in preventing the broadcast of illegal channels in India.
• Technological innovations led to the development of a wide range of STBs equipped with various features, making competition fierce among the various set-top-box providers. Digital video recording is the most crucial feature that allows viewers to watch and record their favourite shows. Additionally, market participants are incorporating new features to make the STB compatible with 5G networks since 5G is being developed throughout most countries.
• In September 2021, to address the disruption to the supply chain caused by COVID-19, the Airtel DTH unit announced intentions to stop importing high-definition set-top boxes by the end of 2021 and manufacture locally produced set-top boxes. In a comparable strategic move, Tata Sky, the key rival of Airtel, teamed up with Technicolor to create set-top packages domestically in India.
• According to Digital TV Europe Industry Survey 2021, about 35% of the respondents suggested that the set-top box is an extremely useful element in the TV operator's proposition but is not irreplaceable, while a further 36% take the view that it is only one option the TV operator must reach customers today and is no more valuable than any other. In addition, 10% of the respondents suggested that the box is central to the TV operator's proposition and is here to stay.
• The integration of OTT and set-top box is another prominent factor driving the market's growth. The growing popularity of OTT has led to the development of hybrid set-top boxes that offer OTT content access to live TV. The increased time spent on OTT platforms has also led to new opportunities to provide a hybrid solution. The pandemic has also played a very significant role in propelling the adoption of OTT services. In August 2021, CommScope, a prominent player in-home network solutions, announced that it has partnered with Evoca to provide its subscribers with set-top solutions powered by Android TV and integrated dual multimode tuners. The set-top box is designed to bring together over-the-air with over-the-top (OTT) content. It meets the ATSC 3.0, which helps in ensuring higher video and audio quality, improved compression efficiency, and personalization.
• The COVID-19 pandemic led to lockdowns enforced by the government to curb the spread of the virus. The lockdown imposed across countries has affected the supply chains of various telecom service providers. In addition, lockdowns and work-from-home scenarios increased the time spent watching television. As per the 2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics' American Time Use Survey, apart from sleeping, Americans spend an average of 3.1 hours per day most of their time watching television, which is slightly more time than they spend working. This would likely propel the market growth exponentially.