Set-Tops to Set Records

According to IHS (NYSE:IHS), despite the pay TV industry's increasing focus on multiscreen, its traditional flagship platform - the set-top box (STB) - continues to thrive, with market shipments expected to hit record highs in 2013, 2014 and 2015.Global shipments of STBs used for cable, satellite, terrestrial and IPTV digital TV services are forecast to climb to 269 million units this year, up 8% from 250 million in 2012, according to the latest IHS Set-Top Box Market Monitor report. Shipments are expected to grow another 6% to 286 million in 2014 and by 1% to 290 million in 2015. The year 2015 is expected to represent the peak of the market for the foreseeable future.