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Asia Pay-TV Growth Will Dominate, as U.S. Plateaus

Asia continues to dominate the worldwide Pay-TV services marketplace, accounting for slightly more than 50 percent of all subscribers in 2010, according to the latest market study by In-Stat.

China alone will encompass 26.3 percent of the world total -- followed by the rest of Asia Pacific at 22.3 percent, Western Europe 15.6 percent and North America 15.3 percent.

While IPTV grew faster than cable and satellite in 4Q 2009, consistent growth is expected for all Pay-TV platforms over the next five years -- with over-the-top IP video service growth being the wild card.

"By 2012, there will be nearly three-quarter billion Pay-TV subscribers worldwide," says Norm Bogen, In-Stat analyst. "Asia will continue to represent over 50 percent of Pay-TV subscribers through 2014 when we expect total subscribers to reach 855 million."

I believe that markets in Europe, such as France, are still leading the overall pay-TV "value-priced offering" field, while Hong Kong still leads the "a-la-carte channel selection" field.

In-Stat's latest market study found the following:

- IPTV subscribers increased 9.1 percent over the previous quarter and 46.1 percent over the previous year, reaching 33.3 million subscribers (still a relatively small share) in 4Q 2009.

- East and West Europe combined accounted for 49 percent of IPTV subscribers in 2009.

- Worldwide cable TV subscribers grew 4.4 percent in 2009.

- Worldwide satellite TV subscribers will reach a quarter billion by 2014.

- In 2010, Asia Pacific will overtake North America as the largest satellite TV market.

- Asia Pacific and Latin America (including Caribbean) regions show the greatest growth rate in satellite subscribers from 2009– to 2014.

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