Digital TV in Western Europe

Research by Informa Telecoms & Media found that digital TV penetration in Western European households reached 54% by the end of 2007, up from 42% the previous year. 

The report forecasts that digital homes will reach 104 million by the end of 2008, and will rise to 157 million by 2013, representing a 90% penetration rate. 

Full digital conversion is expected in only four (Finland, France, Ireland and the UK) of Western Europe's 15 major broadcast countries.  Adam Thomas, research manager for Informa, explains, " 'while cable will remain the region's leading pay TV platform, the satellite subscriber base is eating into its dominance.  Satellite's much higher ARPU levels mean it will overhaul cable in revenue terms during 2009.' " 

The table below shows the top five digital TV markets in Western Europe:

Cable is expected to lose its position as the leading platform when digital terrestrial TV (DTT) overtakes it in 2011.  Thomas says, " 'DTT often provides a similar line-up to analogue cable, usually for no monthly fee, so will benefit from churning cable customers.  IPTV is also using attractive triple-play bundles to tempt away cable subscribers.' " 

The UK is currently the most prominent digital market, representing 25% of Western Europe's digital TV homes, followed by France with 20%, and Germany with 17%.  By 2013 though, Germany will lead the way with 19% of the total.

The following table shows digital penetration of TV households in 2013:

Source: Broadcast Buyer, 08/06/2008