Advanced Television

Video is Asian satellite driver

June 18, 2009

The "Video in Demand" Asian satellite services report, released by CASBAA, shows a 9 per cent market growth in 2008/2009 with some 1,370 transponders currently in use across the region. This was the highest growth rate reported over the last eight years by CASBAA and partner Euroconsult of France. Despite some high regulatory barriers, several markets have been particularly dynamic in terms of capacity requirements, including India, China and Indonesia.

While the growth cycle has been partially challenged by economic uncertainty, the impact on Asian satellite services has been relatively limited, with video broadcasting the primary growth engine. Indeed, the growth in TV broadcasting transponder demand increased from 25 per cent in 2003 to 37 per cent in 2008.

While India remains the fastest growing market, now with more than 11 million DTH subscribers, nine Asian other countries now have more than 500,000 DTH connections. Nevertheless, an oversupply of Asian capacity is still a structural challenge. The fill rate has only recently reached 60 per cent for the first time last year and is still below a world average of around 70 per cent.

Categories: Articles, Broadcast, DTH/Satellite