Satellite UHD channels expected to reach 315

The number of Ultra HD satellite channels globally is expected to number at least 315 by 2024, according to Northern Sky Research.

According to the latest edition of NSR’s Linear TV via Satellite: DTH, OTT & IPTV report, UHD channels will occupy 70 satellite transponders by 2024, or 1.2% of global Ku-band capacity.

NSR expects the number of channels distributed via satellite to cable and IPTV headends to reach 180 on Ku-band and a further 75 on C-band by 2024, occupying a combined total of 57 transponders and accounting for US$219 million in leasing revenues.

According to NSR, operators in developing markets including India and Russia are looking to UHD to target groups of people with higher levels of disposable income, while most growth will come from SD channels. Operators in developed markets including the US, Korea and Japan view UHD as a way to increase ARPU at a time when subscriber growth is more or less tapped out.