This IDC study presents the current forecast for the worldwide digital pay TV set-top box market. Market segments examined and forecast in this study are digital cable, direct-to-home (DTH) or direct broadcast satellite (DBS), and Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) set-top boxes. The forecast reflects units shipped (to either operators or end users) for each of the delivery systems worldwide. A forecast of the U.S. market is also included. This study also highlights a number of key trends in the pay TV STB market. This forecast does not include free-to-air (FTA) boxes used for satellite and terrestrial reception outside the context of a pay TV subscription.

"The pay TV segment of the worldwide digital set-top box market is forecast to reach more than 100 million units across the three key segments of cable, satellite, and IPTV," said Greg Ireland, research manager in IDC's Consumer Markets: Video program.