Skip to main content

Why Cable Network Operators Need Better STBs

The arrival of innovative high-powered multimedia consumer devices -- such as the Apple iPad tablet -- is raising consumer UI expectations and driving cable network operators to demand more sophisticated set-top boxes (STBs) from equipment suppliers.

This emerging trend will have a significant impact on the legacy STB sector over the next several years, according to the latest market study by Heavy Reading.

"The STB, the primary cable component inside millions of U.S. homes, is morphing, expanding, and extending itself with new features and functionality," notes Craig Leddy, research analyst at Heavy Reading. "By utilizing the best capabilities of each device platform, a cable MSO can tailor its services to meet individual customer interests."

The new range of options is stretching and redefining the traditional meaning of the set-top box, Leddy says. "Emerging devices are helping cable to serve multiple screens and add more interactive and on-demand features to video content," he explains.

The result could be a bounty of new cable capabilities that will retain customers -- in the face of satellite and telco pay-TV competition, plus new low-cost over-the-top video offerings -- and hopefully produce some new value-added revenue opportunities.

Key findings of the Heavy Reading market study include:

- Cable is redefining the STB by embracing new devices to meet its in-home video needs.

- Never before have MSOs had so many options for devices and capabilities, including next-generation STBs, DTAs, and broadband-connected devices.

- Comcast's demo of an Apple iPad app that extends the functionality of conventional STBs is likely to spark more efforts to meld STBs with other end-user devices.

- MSOs are curtailing spending on leased STBs and seeking next-gen architectures to handle multiple video formats.

- The STB market is likely to become fragmented as MSOs use different devices for unique customer needs.

Popular posts from this blog

The Evolution of Personal Computing in 2025

The personal computing device market continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience despite recent fluctuations. According to the latest worldwide market study by International Data Corporation (IDC), global PC shipments are projected to reach 273 million units in 2025—a modest but significant 3.7 percent increase over the previous year. This growth reflects the market's adaptation to post-pandemic realities and evolving technology needs across the globe. Personal Computing Market Development While COVID-19 initially triggered unprecedented demand for computing devices during the shift to remote work and online education, we now see a more measured growth pattern. IDC has slightly adjusted its projections downward, indicating a market growing steadily rather than explosively. "In light of so many challenges around the world, Japan is a much-needed source of double-digit growth this year. Enterprises there as well as SMBs have been quickly replacing PCs in advance of the Window...