8.6 mln digital TV sets will be sold in 2004

Shipments of digital televisions increased 113%, from 1.7 mln units to 3.7 mln units, from 2002 to 2003, according to iSuppli. Sales estimates predict even faster YTY growth in 2004, up 134% to 8.6 mln units. Compound growth over the next four years is expected to reach about 46%, from 8.6 mln units this year to 38.8 mln in 2008. About 80% of consumers currently use cable or satellite services for their television needs.