Digital viewing to surpass internet use by 2006

More European households will be watching digital television than using the internet in 2006, according to new research from Jupiter MMXI.

Total digital TV penetration is set to increase from 20% in 2002 up to 52% in 2006. By the second quarter of 2002, inexpensive set-top boxes that allow viewers access to all free-to-air digital channels will be on the market.

By 2007, 91% of digital TV households will be using interactive services such as video on demand and personal video recorders. Jupiter predicts that European countries that currently have little cable coverage are likely to experience the biggest growth in digital terrestrial services.