Worldwide uptake of hybrid set-top boxes has continued to rise over the past year, according to a new report from IMS Research, which adds that growth is being driven by operator initiatives to increase ARPU through additional services which include push-VOD, progressive downloads and access to Web content.

New players have also entered the scene over the past year, such as Albis Technologies, which recently introduced its new line of IPTV and hybrid IP + DVB products, featuring over-the-top (OTT) content delivery specifications for operators who wish to future-proof their deployments for upcoming services, according to the US research firm.

In addition, established manufacturers are winning new bids, such as French firm Netgem, which recently won a contract to supply IP+DTT set-top boxes to Australian telco Telstra.  IMS Research expects this trend to experience "strong uptake" through 2013.

“The hybrid market is increasing in size as operators opt to increase value-added services, either through IP for VOD and OTT services or for DTT transmissions where free-to-air (FTA) channels are exceedingly popular," said Rebecca Kurlak, co-author of the report.  "Manufacturers are reporting an uptake in hybrid STB shipments as triple-play rivalries intensify.  Generally speaking, operators have been increasingly focused on making new services and content available since 2008.  Operators are still working on their respective strategies to strengthen their positions in the digital TV market, whether that is through OTT content, VOD services, multi-room capabilities or 3-screen initiatives.”