April 6, 2010

Broadband Users Control What They Watch and When

According to new research, one in ten broadband users rely on VOD (video on demand) to watch their favourite programmes and less than 50% actually watch these programmes when they are first broadcast on TV.

The information comes from TDG, a leading new media research consultancy, and hints at a reduced influence of programme schedules. IPTV technology is helping to bring VOD into living rooms across the country which would appear to have an effect on viewing habits through traditional television programming.

“A prolonged and permanent shift to quantum media delivery and consumption”

However, the advent of the DVR (Digital Video Recorder) is being credited with contributing to these reduced numbers of traditional viewing methods. Michael Greeson, founding partner and director of research at TDG said:

“With the advent of the DVR, the primacy of programming schedules was forever diminished [and] signaled the first stages of a prolonged and permanent shift to quantum media delivery and consumption: the ‘anytime, any device, any content’ model.

“With prime-time TV programming now available online, any Internet-connected screen – a PC, a web pad, even a mobile phone – becomes an access point. And consumers are putting these new conduits to use, even when it comes to initial viewing of their favorite TV shows.”

30% of broadband users are turning to their DVR’s to watch their favourite programmes as managing what you watch and when continues to shape viewing habits.