Two faces of mobile TV
Rose Major ©RapidTVNews | 05-08-2008
A new report on the US’s internet video market gives those outside the States a peek into how other internet video markets may develop.
{modulebot:71} The report from In-Stat, “US Consumers Weigh In On Mobile Video Content Choices”, identifies two potential models for mobile TV viewing: “waiting room” viewing and “leisure time” viewing. These two segments have very differe requirements, says David Chamberlain, In-Stat analyst.“Personal devices such as cellphones and personal media players are preferred for the waiting room scenario. However, if there is more time available, survey respondents preferred larger screens on products such mobile Internet devices or ultra-mobile PCs."
Mobile operators in the US that offer both 3G and out-of-band video content, such as MediaFlo, DVB-H or 1-Seg have the near-term advantage as they satisfy both leisure time and waiting room usage models.
According to In-Stat’s research, and perhaps the most surprising conclusion, is that there is a strong preference for full-length shows rather than selected highlights tailored for mobile viewing.
US survey respondents also preferred monthly subscription fees to the purchase of video devices.
