Market Introduction
A set-top box (STB), also referred to colloquially as a cable box, is an information system that typically includes a TV tuner input and shows the output of a TV set and an external signal source, converting the source signal into material in a format that can then be shown on a TV screen or other display device. They are found in, among other applications of, cable television, satellite television, and over-the-air television networks. A device that connects to your TV makes it possible for you to use a telephone line or cable to access the Internet and exchange electronic mail on your TV. The set-top box market in the Middle East is presently seeing moderate growth. To receive and decode digital television signals, a set-top box is connected to a communication source, such as a phone or an integrated telecommunications digital network. It can be accessed using various TV distribution channels, including terrestrial, cable, Internet and satellite. It supports video conferencing, home networking, telephony with Internet protocol, video-on-demand, and other multimedia facilities on the Internet. At present, due to rapid urbanization and increase in disposable incomes of individuals, set-up box is gaining momentum across the Middle East. Thus, the above-mentioned factors are influencing the adoption of the STBs across the region.
Furthermore, in case of COVID-19, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Morocco, and Kuwait are the main countries facing the economic effects of coronavirus in the MEA region. It is becoming clear with the COVID-19 pandemic spreading through the above-mentioned countries that few can avoid its effects, posing major challenges for all sectors. The outbreak has led to more people staying indoors across the region, thereby, have impacted the high adoption of home broadband for watching videos on-demand over local set-top box connection. For instance, 67 percent of UAE adults make more video calls during lockdown to communicate with friends and loved ones, 78 percent use social media more frequently, and 74 percent watch more TV and movies online. Although this is unsurprising considering the limitations placed in place during the lockdown on social events, the increased use of internet-reliant entertainment brings more demand on home broadband. Moreover, the restriction on outdoor activities has also impacted the telecast of new content on television, thereby decreasing the demand for satellite set-top box. Thus, the above-mentioned factors are expected to have adverse impact on the set-top box market owing to the outbreak of the pandemic.
Market Overview and Dynamics
The MEA set top box (STB) market is expected to grow from US$ 1,328.2 million in 2019 to US$ 1,776.0 million by 2027; it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.8 % from 2020 to 2027. Authorities steps for mandating digitalization of cable TV is expected to drive the MEA set top box (STB) market. Government regulations mandating the installation of set-top boxes, deployment of free OS-based devices by STB vendors, and analog switch-off transition in emerging countries are the prime factors escalating the demand for STBs. However, several drawbacks are associated with analogue systems; determining the number of households using cable services is difficult, and only local cable operators who also work as bill collection agents are aware of the actual figure. The broadcasters, first, transmit the signals via satellite. The multi-system operators then download these signals into their devices. Multi-system providers are now transmitting these signals to local cable operators, and cable operators are eventually responsible for transferring these signals directly to consumers’ home via a variety of channels using co-axial cables. The inability of governments to monitor the exact number of home consumers using cable TVs is the most significant drawback faced by current analog signals, but, in this case, digitization enables them to know the exact amount of cable consumption. Thus, the stringent government regulations across emerging MEA countries for the digitalization of cable TVs are fueling the growth of the MEA set-top box market.
Key Market Segments
In terms of product, the cable segment accounted for the largest share of the MEA set top box (STB) market in 2019. In terms of content quality, the standard definition (SD) segment held a larger market share of the MEA set top box (STB) market in 2019.
Major Sources and Companies Listed
A few major primary and secondary sources referred to for preparing this report on the MEA set top box (STB) market are company websites, annual reports, financial reports, national government documents, and statistical database, among others. Major companies listed in the report are Advanced Digital Broadcast SA; Altech UEC; CommScope; COSHIP; Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd; Humax; Kaonmedia Co., Ltd.; Sagemcom; Skyworth Group Co., Ltd.
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MEA Set Top Box (STB) Market Segmentation
MEA Set Top Box (STB) Market - By Product
MEA Set Top Box (STB) Market - By Content Quality
MEA Set Top Box (STB) Market - By Country
MEA Set Top Box (STB) Market - Company Profiles