[SatNews] In the broadcast and media technology sector the worst of the recession appears to be over, and vendors are feeling increasingly optimistic about the future, according to a new study carried out by Ernst & Young LLP in association with IABM, the body which represents the supply side of the industry. The report is based on the IABM’s Industry Trends Survey carried out in May 2010, immediately following the NAB exhibition.

Suppliers returning from NAB reported to the researchers that the event had been a turning point, seeing a new confidence returning to the sector. Central to the positive view was a 74 percent response anticipating better business next year than last — 47 percent of those surveyed are already reporting better order volumes than expected and, in a clear indication of the global nature of the industry, export orders — wherever the home country of the manufacturer — are largely outstripping domestic growth.

One challenging trend for the industry is that fierce competition has led to pressure on prices, and while order volumes are better for 47 percent, when asked to compare order values against expectations only 38 percent saw rises. When asked about unit prices, 78 percent of manufacturers said that they were either maintained or increased over the last quarter. The IABM Industry Trends Study is based on a confidential survey of IABM member companies, carried out on the association’s behalf by Ernst & Young.