Streaming goes Prime-Time in U.S.

Two recent industry research reports point to the growing acceptance of, and preference for, the use of online streaming sources by TV audiences.

“Viewing habits are quickly evolving and connected TV is going mainstream,” according to Eric Berger, EVP of digital networks, Sony Pictures Television and general manager, Crackle.

The research is based on a survey of 1200 younger adults (18-49) conducted by Frank N. Magid Associates.  Their key finding is that online streaming is now viewers' second choice of viewing source (still trailing live TV).  The study found that access to online video streaming was near universal (96%), and more than half (54%) had access through "connected" TVs - either smart TVs, through attached gaming consoles, separate OTT devices, or connected video players.

The trend seems to be reflected in current trends in the cable/multichannel industry. Cable companies in the U.S. are seeing a surge in broadband-only customers (foregoing the primary TV service) - to the point where many are publicly rebranding as broadband services, which can also deliver TV (see earlier post here).  Research from the Leichtman Research Group is showing a decline in pay-TV subscribers, combined with increasing broadband subscriptions.  Their recent report shows major cable operators with 48.7 million broadband subs, and telcos growing more rapidly with 35.9 million (45% of which have access through fiber).  Average broadband speeds are also on the rise, with average bandwidth for broadband connected homes in the U.S. just over 20 Mbps.

As Cablevision CEO Jimmy Dolan told the Wall Street Journal in August: “Ultimately over the long term I think that the whole video product is eventually going to go to the Internet.  I’m not willing to cede that position now, and I’ve got a lot of customers that buy my video product…[but] the handwriting is on the wall, particularly when you look at young customers.” - See more at: http://videomind.ooyala.com/blog/telcos-cable-operators-see-broadband-subscriber-numbers-skyrocket-0?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRousqzNZKXonjHpfsXx7OglWK6g38431UFwdcjKPmjr1YEITcN0aPyQAgobGp5I5FEMTrfYWbFrt6cPXg%3D%3D#sthash.gsljDRjn.dpuf

As Cablevision CEO Jimmy Dolan told the Wall Street Journal in August: “Ultimately over the long term I think that the whole video product is eventually going to go to the Internet.  I’m not willing to cede that position now, and I’ve got a lot of customers that buy my video product…[but] the handwriting is on the wall, particularly when you look at young customers.” - See more at: http://videomind.ooyala.com/blog/telcos-cable-operators-see-broadband-subscriber-numbers-skyrocket-0?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRousqzNZKXonjHpfsXx7OglWK6g38431UFwdcjKPmjr1YEITcN0aPyQAgobGp5I5FEMTrfYWbFrt6cPXg%3D%3D#sthash.gsljDRjn.dpuf

As Cablevision CEO Jimmy Dolan told the Wall Street Journal in August: “Ultimately over the long term I think that the whole video product is eventually going to go to the Internet.  I’m not willing to cede that position now, and I’ve got a lot of customers that buy my video product…[but] the handwriting is on the wall, particularly when you look at young customers.” - See more at: http://videomind.ooyala.com/blog/telcos-cable-operators-see-broadband-subscriber-numbers-skyrocket-0?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRousqzNZKXonjHpfsXx7OglWK6g38431UFwdcjKPmjr1YEITcN0aPyQAgobGp5I5FEMTrfYWbFrt6cPXg%3D%3D#sthash.gsljDRjn.dpuf

As Cablevision CEO Jimmy Dolan told the Wall Street Journal in August: “Ultimately over the long term I think that the whole video product is eventually going to go to the Internet.  I’m not willing to cede that position now, and I’ve got a lot of customers that buy my video product…[but] the handwriting is on the wall, particularly when you look at young customers.” - See more at: http://videomind.ooyala.com/blog/telcos-cable-operators-see-broadband-subscriber-numbers-skyrocket-0?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRousqzNZKXonjHpfsXx7OglWK6g38431UFwdcjKPmjr1YEITcN0aPyQAgobGp5I5FEMTrfYWbFrt6cPXg%3D%3D#sthash.gsljDRjn.dpuf

As Cablevision CEO Jimmy Dolan told the Wall Street Journal in August: “Ultimately over the long term I think that the whole video product is eventually going to go to the Internet.  I’m not willing to cede that position now, and I’ve got a lot of customers that buy my video product…[but] the handwriting is on the wall, particularly when you look at young customers.” - See more at: http://videomind.ooyala.com/blog/telcos-cable-operators-see-broadband-subscriber-numbers-skyrocket-0?mkt_tok=3RkMMJWWfF9wsRousqzNZKXonjHpfsXx7OglWK6g38431UFwdcjKPmjr1YEITcN0aPyQAgobGp5I5FEMTrfYWbFrt6cPXg%3D%3D#sthash.gsljDRjn.dpuf

Source -  Streaming goes prime time with connected TV prime destination, RapidTVNews
The U.S. now has over 83 million broadband subscribers, GigaOm
Cable Companies See Jump in Broadband-Only Customers,  DSL Reports