Mainland China and Taiwan Production of Set-top Boxes Expected to Top 28 Million Units in 2005 – up 64 Percent

Global Sources’ (NASDAQ: GSOL) China Sourcing Report: Set-top Boxes shows that in 2005 mainland China and Taiwan production of set-top boxes is expected to top 28 million units – up 64 percent from 2004. Exports are expected to top 20 million units – up 53 percent from 2004.

Set-top boxes are used to receive cable and satellite TV broadcasts. Some units also perform internet functions.

Report publisher Mark Saunderson said: “Together, mainland China and Taiwan supply about 60 percent of all global shipments of set-top boxes.

“The spread of digital television is driving growth. Between 2006 and 2010, many developed countries are expected to switch from analog to digital TV transmission. By 2015, all TV transmission in mainland China is expected to be digital.”

Makers produce digital TV decoders, cable TV boxes, satellite receivers and Internet-capable set-top boxes.

Saunderson added: “Competition is growing in this segment, with many companies reducing export prices. All interviewed suppliers have made, or are in the process of making, price cuts of five percent or more.

“In the next two years makers are expected to concentrate on product development for the automotive market. New in-vehicle set-top products are expected to be capable of Internet functions and high-definition TV reception.”

The 115-page report profiles 36 leading suppliers. It also provides specifications for 110 popular export products and provides analysis of industry pricing, production capacity, research and development spending and manufacturing processes. Global Sources’ China Bureau compiled the report from on-site factory visits, face-to-face interviews and extensive questionnaires.

China Sourcing Report: Set-top Boxes is the latest title in the Global Sources China Sourcing Report series. The reports help buyers make better-informed purchasing decisions. They complement Global Sources' sourcing and product information services, which include Global Sources and Asian Sources trade magazines, Global Sources Online, Global Sources Direct and China Sourcing Fairs.

The China Sourcing Report: Set-top Boxes is available at www.globalsources.com/astj/stbcsrpress for US$495.

About Global Sources
Global Sources is a leading business-to-business (B2B) media company and a primary facilitator of two-way trade with Greater China. It provides sourcing information to volume buyers and integrated marketing services to suppliers.

The company helps its community of more than 463,000 active buyers to source more profitably from complex, overseas supply markets. With the goal of providing as many effective ways as possible to advertise, market and sell, Global Sources enables suppliers to sell to hard-to-reach buyers in 230 countries.

The company offers the most extensive range of media and export marketing services in the industries it serves. Suppliers using its four primary channels – online marketplaces, magazines, trade shows and direct online sales – are supported by its advertising creative, education programs and online content management applications.

Global Sources delivers information on 1.4 million products and more than 130,000 suppliers annually through 10 leading online marketplaces and monthly magazines, more than 90 sourcing research reports, and 14 China Sourcing Fairs and other trade shows. Global Sources Direct is the company’s new initiative that will help suppliers sell through eBay. Buyers send 5 million inquiries annually to suppliers through Global Sources Online (www.globalsources.com) alone.

In mainland China, Global Sources has a 24-year track record and more than 1,300 team members in 44 locations. Its services are backed by 35 years experience as a trade magazine publisher, 14 years as an organizer of trade shows, and 10 years as an online marketplace operator.