There will be more than 820 channels of UltraHD content via Satellite by 2025, according to a new report by NSR. Reportedly, Direct to Home (DTH) technology will lead to higher ARPUs, and greater customer retention.

In addition, all regions will see some UltraHD content broadcast, via DTH and via satellite to Cable TV headends and IPTV (News - Alert) providers by 2025.

Although DTH platforms will lead the way, Cable and IPTV will also see healthy demand and growth via satellite, by 2025.

"In years past, and with previous technological advancements relating to TV content, we have seen a number of hurdles, not least of which has been the prohibitively high cost for end-users to attain TVs suitable for new content,” said Alan Crisp, NSR analyst and report author. “With HD about 15 years ago, this was a major sticking point. Conversely, with UltraHD, this hurdle is eroding quickly, with UHD compatible TV sets reducing in price to as low as US$1,000 today."

The study also predicts significant revenue growth for UltraHD, with over $370M from capacity leasing for this new content type. UltraHD is also expected to be an important differentiator among DTH platforms in both developed and developing regions.

"Further, NSR notes that as compared to HDTV, a number of satellite operators and DTH platforms, from regions as diverse as North America to South Asia, are investing heavily in UHD content and UHD compatible set-top boxes," added Crisp.

A few UHD channels in developing regions are said to attract thousands of subscribers and eventually UltraHD is said to be a strong niche market in the medium term.

Looking forward, UltraHD is expected to develop into mainstream adoption in more developed regions.