Downloading TV Online Becomes Habitual
Television is no longer just watched through a TV set and downloading TV programmes via the
internet is becoming habitual. Increasing numbers of people watch TV through their mobile phone or
through the internet (via a PC or laptop), new research reveals...
Television is no longer just watched through a TV set and
downloading TV programmes via the internet is becoming habitual.
Increasing numbers of people watch TV through their mobile phone
or through the internet (via a PC or laptop), new research
reveals...
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2.6 million people have either downloaded a TV programme or
watched it live on the internet, and 900,000 have watched TV via
their mobile phone, according to a new report. Indeed,
downloading TV programmes via the internet is becoming
“habitual” according to Continental Research’s inaugural
Convergence Report Spring 2006 launched 15th May 2006.
Of those who download TV programmes, a significantly large
number - 29% - do so at least once a week. The types of
programmes that are downloaded most are popular American TV
shows such as Lost (the most watched downloaded programme), CSI,
Desperate Housewives and The Simpsons, all dominating the list
ahead of leading British shows such as Life on Mars and Little
Britain.
US shows lead the field in download figures
James Myring, associate director at Continental Research, said:
“Given the popularity of downloading first music and now films
via the internet, there is every reason to predict that
downloading TV will grow rapidly in importance. Watching live TV
over the internet remains more occasional, with 19% doing so at
least once a week.”
The prediction of rapid growth is given credence by the
proportions of internet TV viewers likely to increase their
viewing to specific services in the next 12 months. 40% say that
watching downloaded programmes will increase, and 25% say
watching TV live via the internet will increase. As the amount
of content grows in quantity and quality it will help further
the growth of internet TV.
Downloading TV programmes via a mobile phone, however, is
handicapped by the same constraints that limit mobile internet,
namely a small screen size and incomplete content compared to
the ‘real thing’ (i.e. standard TV/ internet). Until these
limitations are overcome we don’t expect usage of mobile TV to
breakthrough into the mass market. There may be significant
experimentation, but it is habitual use that will make it
commercially viable. It is also worth recalling that miniature
TV’s never became popular.
Predictions for the future of convergence
Myring summarizes: “If convergence is seen as a competition
between platforms then the current front runner is internet
access via a PC. The internet has had a huge impact on
industries as diverse as travel, music and banking. The telecoms
(through VoIP) and broadcast industries are now starting to feel
the full impact of the internet.
“A convergence technology with potential to become mass market
is VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), which allows users to
make telephone calls over the internet. At a time when household
bills such as council tax, gas and electricity have increased,
VoIP offers a way to cut costs. There are teething problems –
29% of those using VoIP are dissatisfied with the sound quality,
but technical problems should reduce over time.
“Looking ahead, a logical step would be a combination of VoIP
and Wi-Fi enabling very cheap internet calls to be made outside
the home. Coverage would not be comprehensive, but if costs are
low this may be acceptable to many. This could become a threat
to the mobile networks.
“The future is never easy to predict with certainty, but a few
trends are starting to emerge that offer glimpses of what the
landscape might look like in a few years time.”
About the report:
* The Report, which is free to journalists, is available to buy
at £400 ex VAT.
Also in the report:
• Mobile internet
• Listening to radio via internet and digital TV
• Video on demand
• Listening to music on mobile
• VoIP
To order a copy of the report contact James Myring or Jon
Beaumont on 020 7490 9129 / 020 7490 5944, email
james.myring@continentalresearch.com
www.continentalresearch.com
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