According to research firm In-Stat, as a whole, the set-top box market can be categorised as a mature one. That is to say, it has reached a state of equilibrium or at least the absence of significant growth. That’s not to say, however, that there aren’t segments of the business that are innovating and growing at fairly significant rates. Fresh research from the company identifies the IP set-top box market segment as one that is growing and is forecasts that unit shipments will surpass 21 million in 2011.

“The recent up-tick in IP set top boxes is a result of Telcos gaining subscribers from cable and satellite providers, as well as replacing the boxes of current subscribers,” commented Michelle Abraham, Research Director. “Future increases for IP set-top box shipments will likely be driven by service providers moving to a server/client architecture where there is a media gateway/server located in the media room of the house that shares its content with client boxes that are distributed throughout the rest of the home. These client boxes will be IP STBs. DirectTV is one of the first providers to offer this service, but In-Stat expects that others will follow over the next few years,” she advised.

Recent In-Stat research found the following:

– The IP set top box market will grow 14 per cent in 2011.

– Motorola remained the market share leader in 2010 with 21 per cent of the market.

– North American IP STB unit shipments will increase 48 per cent in 2012.

– In 2013, Western Europe will account for 46 per cent of worldwide IP STB revenues.

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