In almost all global regions, high definition (HD) is expected to make a near term appearance and to have an impact on overall satellite capacity as a result, Northern Sky Research concluded in its latest research report, “High-Definition Television (HDTV) Over Satellite; A Regional Assessment of the Demand For Satellite-Delivered HD Channels.”

The report, released May 10, notes that revenues directly attributed to commercial satellite capacity leased purely for HD broadcasting will grow from $47.6 million in 2004 to $323.8 million by 2010.

“From a regional perspective, it is clear that North America and Japan have led the way in ensuring HD has finally emerged from being a niche service to a more widely accepted standard and an eventual replacement for standard-definition digital television,” Northern Sky Research President Christopher Baugh said in a prepared statement. “Europe is not far behind with its first HD channel started in 2004 and all the major national broadcasters announcing plans to launch HD channels. In fact, the key market and technology variables for Europe are only now just beginning to align, paving the way for sustained evolution of the HD industry, similar to what North America has experienced throughout the past few years.”