[Satellite Today 01-29-09] HD television will be equipped in 170 million European households by 2013, a threefold increase through an economic downturn, according to a Euroconsult and NPA report released Jan. 28.
    The current 59 million European households with HD-enabled TV sets will more than double to 116 million households by 2010, according to “HDTV in Europe, Key Economics & Prospects to 2018.”
    The adoption of HDTV units in Europe is being driven by the steady decline in prices for flat screens since 2004 and the imminent inclusion of HDTV capability as a standard feature in flat screens sold throughout Europe, Euroconsult said. The number of pay-TV networks in Europe offering HD almost tripled in the last two years, and while satellite HD services still dominate subscriptions, cable and IPTV services are accelerating their introductions of HD offerings, the report said.
    In the short term, Euroconsult and NPA said they expect providers to use HD as a strategic differentiator to gain and retain audiences and subscribers.