EL SEGUNDO, CA – Global shipments of multi-standard video-decoder-equipped televisions are expected to rise to 966,000 units this year, up from zero in 2007. By 2012, shipments will rise to 41.7 million units, says iSuppli Corp.
 
The global transition from analog to digital television broadcast is spurring TV makers to offer sets with more advanced video decoding chips, capable of working with multiple and new video standards.
 
Across the globe, the transition away from analog and toward digital television broadcasting is proceeding. Some regions, like North America, have nearly completed the transition, while other parts of the world – like South America and regions of the Middle East – are just getting started defining which digital standard to adopt and when to schedule their analog shutoff, says the firm.
 
Regions such as Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, as well as countries such as France and China, now are rolling out digital TV broadcast systems that use these newer technologies, paving the way for broader adoption in the future, according to iSuppli.