Abstract

Challenges Still Abound in the Chinese Market

DVB-TH supports both the single and multi modes of the A-DBT and DMB-T standards, therefore creating a rather high threshold for receiver chip technology and higher costs for receiver STB. In addition, digital terrestrial broadcast TV standards have been released comparatively late. Digitization of cable and satellite TV developed early and new IPTV services have also been launched in various regions. Therefore, there are challenges facing the future promotion of digital terrestrial broadcast television. Demand in the Chinese market has yet to be fully activated. Trials are currently under way in Beijing, Jiangsu, Sichuan, Shandong, and Guangdong.

Technological Capabilities of Chinese Companies Still Need to be Raised

The Chinese government has adopted a digital television transitional policy putting cable first cable, then satellite, and only then terrestrial. Confirmation of China's terrestrial transmission standards were also delayed, stalling the development of the Chinese digital terrestrial STB industry. However, with the growth of export markets, the number of Chinese digital terrestrial STB shipped in 2006 was 4.94 million units. Chinese companies currently focus on ODM/OEM. Although the R&D capabilities of Chinese companies are limited, they are still competitive to a certain extent thanks to the support of solutions provided by STB IC companies in addition to their own cost competitiveness and STB production experience.

Improvements in technology have yet to be made. The types of products offered by Chinese digital terrestrial STB companies are still primarily basic products, but the DVB-T+S dual-mode digital terrestrial STB product released by Shenzhou Electronic, as well as products that support high definition and PVR functions, will further push the development of the Chinese industry.

Appendix

Research Scope

This report analyzes Chinese digital terrestrial STB manufacturers, including Sichuan Changhong Network Technologies, Shenzhen Coship Electronics, Skyworth Digital Technology, Sichuan Jiuzhou Electronic Technology, Jiangsu Yinhe Electronics, Beijing Haier Info-Tech, Fujian Shenzhou Electronic. Analysis focuses on their company background, scale, R&D, products, manufacturing and market development.

Glossary of Terms