Japan tops HDTV viewership

According to research firm, SNL Kagan, the number of HTDT viewers globally has continued to increase, with more affordable HDTVs coming onto the market.

SNL Kagan’s new study, “Global High Definition Television Trends”, shows that Japan has the highest number of HDTV viewers in the world, helped by its pioneering experience in the HD market in the 1980s and 1990s.

Broadcasters in Japan offer low cost TV services, helping to drive demand, with some of them even offering HDTV for free.

The United States is currently in second place, but could overtake Japan by the end of 2008, when the number of US homes with HDTV is expected to have increased to 12 million, from 6 million at the moment.

According to SNL Kagan, HDTV markets in Canada, France and the United States have become better suited for pay-HDTV, and US Cable and satellite content providers are continuing to provide TV packages with a growing number of HD channels.

SNL Kagan estimates that the HDTV service provider market will generate revenues of over $1 billion in 2007, $11 billion by 2014, and $12 billion by 2016.