We in the MDTV space have always known that the future would be bright for our technology. After all, there is always going to be an interest in watching television, e.g., the news, prime-time programming, sports, etc.

And certain markets have already proven to be solid, led by Japan, China and certain countries in Europe.

But we’ve all known that the industry would only see its potential realized when the U.S. took off.

To date, that has not happened. Of course, there is no reason to panic, with more than 70 MDTV stations already up-and-running in 30 cities around the country.  But that seemingly decent-sized “pilot program” is only a hint of what is to come.

So, what is the key?  When will the U.S. hit the big-time in MDTV?

Well, let’s just say that it will be a Happy New Year for the U.S. MDTV market for one very clear and very important reason.

On December 31, NBC and FOX will be turning on the switch for their MDTV content, and that date will signal MDTV officially turning the corner in the U.S., as those two networks will drive the industry’s growth.

But following that milestone, what can we expect next?

Accessories.  There will be an initial phase of MDTV-enabling add-ons for tablets, smartphones and other devices.  And then, a few months after that, things will get really exciting, thanks to the launch of MDTV-integrated devices.

What’s really cool is that all this is going to happen in the next 12-15 months.

Now, that’s not to say that the U.S. is the only market worth watching in 2012. For example, Siano is still strengthening our position in other key markets, such as China, where we hold a 50% market-share today.

To that end, look for a new CMMB product from us in China in the next six months (Not to worry. While the product is new, the form factor and pin-compatibility is as our existing product.). 

I’m excited about the next 12 months in the U.S., but I’m no less excited about the rest of the world, where MDTV continues to grow and grow.