HDTV 'to reach 4.8m homes by 2008'

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The number of European households with high definition television (HDTV) will rise from just 50,000 at the end of 2003 to 4.8m by 2008, according to research group Datamonitor.

Although the consumer market will develop slowly, due to the high price of consumer equipment, Datamonitor said broadcasters needed to prepare now for the HDTV revolution, and "substantially upgrade their equipment and infrastructure from today".

Datamonitor says the UK, Germany and France will lead HDTV take-up within Europe.

"Momentum for HDTV is now building. Broadcasters have announced definite deployment plans. The consumer electronics industry is a-buzz over this new (and profitable) market," said James Healey, senior media and broadcasting technologies analyst at Datamonitor.

"Although televisions remain high priced and few operators are ready for HD broadcasts, momentum for the introduction of HDTV in Europe is unstoppable."