IN A RAPIDLY EVOLVING market where consumers are faced with far more choice and control when it comes to video content, Internet television is on the fast track to acceptance, says market research firm In-Stat.
Whether it’s PVRs, user generated content, or TV shows online, the market has fundamentally started the process of "unbundling television/video entertainment," says the report, and this redistribution of control will likely come to dominate the overall consumer landscape in years to come.
In addition, as evidenced by an In-Stat survey of U.S. consumers, when it comes to online video, despite a stratification by age, these trends appear more endemic than unique to the under 25 crowd.
Respondents who watch online video were equally bullish on the future of online video, in many cases expecting said forms of entertainment to become more mainstream over time. "A testament to the significance these trends pose to all members within the value chain," said Michael Inouye, In-Stat analyst. "And just like music, these shifts appear far more entrenched than a simple fad, additional reason to strategically review this evolving market and the new levers they bring."
In-Stat also found:
* Survey respondents felt online video will become more mainstream over time
* Social networking aspects are starting to play an important part on how the newer generation wants to watch and interact with TV.
* Primary detractors for online video continue to be download speed, user interface, cost, and quality of video (both visual and content).
