European sales of high definition television displays and video devices are expected to climb this year by a massive 158%, according to new research from Strategy Analytics. By the end of 2007 there are expected to be 28.1 million installed units, and by 2012 some 70% of European homes are expected to own at least one HD capable TV, compared to just 8% in 2006.
A walk through the TV sections of most electrical retailers will show that the majority of large screen TV displays on sale are badged as HD Ready. This makes the report’s adoption forecast models all the more revealing. It concludes that by 2012, 44% of European homes will own HDTV receivers in the form of set-top boxes and integrated digital TVs. HD digital media players account for 27%, HD disc players 26% and HD portable devices 15%.