Kagan Research finds the number of multichannel TV markets positioned to experience hyper-competition will grow from 22 in 2006 to 47 by 2011 as digital cable, IPTV and digital terrestrial (DTT) services gain ground. The findings are drawn from Kagan's soon to be launched Global Multichannel Markets syndicated research service which tracks cable, satellite, IPTV, fixed wireless and digital terrestrial economics in 75 countries across Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, North America and the Middle East.

"By adding IPTV and DTT to the competitive mix, multichannel competition transforms dramatically," says Kagan Senior Analyst Ben Reneker. "These emerging platforms accelerate new service offerings while putting pressure on pricing, forcing cable and satellite operators to retool or die."

Kagan Global Multichannel Markets research identifies several key factors relating to multichannel TV hyper-competition including:

• Once one operator in a market launches triple-play packages, all operators must follow or face significant churn
• The introduction of DTT can dramatically reduce cable and satellite growth while fueling IPTV service options
• Satellite operators face the toughest challenge in hyper-competitive markets as they must secure return paths and broadband infrastructure to maintain competitive viability
• Hyper-competitive markets produce low-cost entry packages across all platforms which are often based on smaller video packages approaching a la carte models
• Exclusive sports and movies license deals become crucial as platforms fight for clear competitive differentiation

These issues and many more are researched continuously by Kagan's Global Multichannel Markets research team with analysis published daily via the new Global Multichannel Market Database service. An advanced introduction to the topic of hyper-competition in multichannel markets is available via a free Kagan Research webinar today, October 12 at 1 p.m. EDT, by going to http://www.kagan.com/ContentDetail.aspx?id=267

For additional information on these findings or the Global Multichannel Markets research service, visit www.kagan.com/globalmultichannel or contact Kieran Kelly, Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Client Service, at 1-800-481-1212 or researchsales@jupiterkagan.com.