The Importance Of HDTV In Asia-Pacific Reported By MEASAT + Euroconsult

MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. and Euroconsult jointly announced the results of a study into the development of HDTV in the Asia-Pacific region. The study, which was conducted during May by Euroconsult, polled the rationale, benefits, challenges, and expectations or HDTV amongst the regions’ leading PayTV operators. Twenty-five operators in 15 markets, collectively serving more than 24 million subscribers, were interviewed. The study found that 75 percent of PayTV operators surveyed have, or were planning, to launch a HDTV offering during 2008. It showed operators as generally bullish on the outlook for HDTV, with a majority expecting it to increase ARPU or profits on its own. HDTV, which most saw as “here to stay” and destined to become a “must have” offering, had been identified as a key strategic priority for their business. The study indicated that the rollout of HDTV is being spearheaded by newer PayTV platforms looking to differentiate their offerings from existing platforms. More established platforms were taking a slower approach to implementing HDTV. Interviews conducted suggested that HDTV was seen as not particularly easy or difficult to introduce. The lack of substantial HDTV content — both local and international — was viewed consistently as the most important roadblock for developing the HDTV sector in the region—Kuala Lumpur + Paris, France