ABS-CBN boosts digital TV drive as gadget sales surge

ABS-CBN Corp. has widened the reach of its digital television segment as it recorded a boost in terms of sales of its ABS-CBN TVplus.

In a statement, the Lopez-led company announced that it sold seven million TVPlus units as of February this year. The device, which allows viewers to watch television with better picture and sound quality apart from gaining access to exclusive content, was first launched in February 2015.

“The robust sales have been steadily growing in the past years as more Filipinos patronize the country’s pioneering digital terrestrial television (DTT) product,” ABS-CBN said.

ABS-CBN is the current leader in the domestic digital television space, with main rival GMA Network Inc. behind in terms of its own launch.

According to research firm Kantar Media, digital penetration in noncabled homes in Metro Manila stood at 71.6 percent in August 2018 versus 55 percent during the same period last year. The figure was 67.4 percent in mega Manila.

In November 2018, Batangas became the 16th signal coverage area of ABS-CBN TVplus.