Parks Associates roadmap for advanced STB features

[BGonaSTICK]

Consumer interest in advanced TV features will transform the set-top box into a complete service platform that integrates entertainment, information, communications, and commerce-related applications for digital home consumers, according to ‘Set-top Boxes: analysis and Forecasts’, an upcoming report from Parks Associates.

According to the report, the worldwide evolution of the set-top box will include three stages: At stage one, TV viewers will demand features and services that enhance their TV-watching experience, such as high-definition capability, TV recording, and enriched TV programming. At stage two, applications that help consumers better access information and easily bridge PC-based digital media into the living room will become popular. At stage three, communications, commerce, and personalised applications and services, such as caller ID on TV, recommendations, and TV shopping, will find wider acceptance among consumers, transforming the set-top box into a home service platform.

"Service providers and their set-top box partners can follow this roadmap in formulating service offerings and hardware strategies going forward," said Harry Wang, research analyst at Parks Associates. "Very soon the number of applications for the set-top box will increase dramatically, and providers must understand the dynamics of this market in order to offer the services that most appeal to their subscribers."