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