Scottsdale, Arizona– Sales of digital terrestrial set-top boxes in Asia Pacific are projected to hit 15.6 million in 2011, up from just 1.2 million in 2007, according to In-Stat. The research firm estimates 484,000 standard definition STBs will be purchased in the region this year, plus 692,000 high-definition units and just 25,000 which combine HD with a PVR. In-Stat forecasts a big surge in sales next year, with consumers snapping up 6.1 million SD STBs, 1.4 million HD units and 49,000 combos, totalling 7.6 million. “Starting in 2008 there are expectations that China might start (HD) broadcasts in time for the Olympics and Hong Kong and other smaller nations may also launch so there are higher expectations going forward,” says In-Stat research analyst Michael Inouye. Its 2011 projections for the region envision sales of 13.7 million SD units, 1.6 million HD and 195,000 combos. Worldwide, the firm expects digital STB sales will eclipse 47 million in 2011.