Broadcast RF power semiconductor market still led by DTV

SCOTTSDALE, USA: The global market for RF power semiconductors used in broadcasting is being driven by the current explosion in digital broadcasting, primarily from DTV. This market is expected to remain healthy and steady for the next decade.

“Historically this market has been viewed as flat and not very exciting,” says ABI Research director Lance Wilson. “In general, most RF power semiconductor vendors have overlooked and dismissed it. That, it turns out, is an error. DTV and FM broadcasting are still expanding at a measured but nevertheless positive rate.”

This market is being powered by the advance of digital broadcasting, both television and radio, but especially TV. Some analog TV services are starting to decline somewhat, but the total demand for RF power semiconductors for broadcasting looks promising for the next ten years. Regionally, growth will be driven by the phased switchover to digital TV as it occurs in different countries.

The accuracy of earlier assessments of this market was harder to guarantee because many of these semiconductors are sold through electronic component distribution sales channels, making it more difficult to know where the parts were going. These channels have now been factored into the market forecast.

What kind of opportunity does this unexpectedly thriving market environment present for existing and new vendors? “Historically this market has favored well-established incumbents,” says Wilson. “But it’s not at all an adverse environment for new entrants if performance and pricing goals are met.”