Asia Pacific Market Expected to Enjoy Strong HD Growth

The high-definition market appears to be moving in a positive direction in the Asia Pacific market. In fact, a new survey that was conducted by Euroconsult that was commissioned by MEASAT Satellite Systems, has determined that 75% of operators of pay television intend to launch high definition programming this year.

In order to conduct the research, Euroconsult polled 25 different operators within 15 markets within the region. The overall consensus was quite optimistic and the operators expected to enjoy a jump in profits once the changes are made.

According to the researchers, the operators believe high-definition technology is going to be viewed as a “must-have” by the 24 million customers that subscribe to their service. The researchers found that this enthusiasm may be partially due to the fact that the HD movement is being lead by newer companies specializing in pay television. Older, more established companies, on the other hand, have been slower to move toward HD programming.

Unfortunately, operators in the Asia Pacific market face the same problem that has been seen in the United States – a lack of content to provide to subscribers. Nonetheless, things are looking good for high definition programs as well as for HDTVs.

“The study provides clear evidence of faster development of HD offerings in Asia than previously expected,” said Pacome Revillon, the managing director of Euroconsult. “Opportunity for growth and increasing competitive pressure are the primary factors driving pay-TV broadcasters to develop an HD offer.”