Internet Video is Mobile Video

(Business News & Technology News, 18 Aug 2008)

Less than two years ago, anybody who was talking about "mobile video" was talking about content that was delivered to a cellphone, either on the 3G network or on a separate broadcast network like Japan's 1-Seg or MediaFLO in the US.

However, two trends suddenly converged in mid-2007 that radically changed that definition. First, YouTube's ascent created a large audience for user generated content and forced the broadcast and cable networks to start putting their own content on the Internet.

Second, the iPhone—and later, the iPod Touch—provided access to Internet video using the Wi-Fi and EDGE networks. The Apple products captured the imagination of consumers worldwide. Internet video was now being delivered to mobile phones and the mobile operator was no longer in control.

Consumers find themselves able to choose from an increasing number of choices for viewing TV and video when away from home. In May, 2008, In-Stat surveyed 1,007 US consumers about the confusing array of devices, networks and content choices. Two reports from In-Stat analyze the results of the survey. There are several interesting results from all respondents who showed an interest in several types of mobile video.

- Programming on Demand
90 percent of respondents preferred viewing TV and video at the time they choose rather than viewing programs at scheduled times. Several companies provide only scheduled programming.
- Access to Current Content
Most respondents—82 percent—were the most interested in access to the TV programming they already receive on their cable or satellite set-top boxes or digital video recorders.
- Professionally Produced Content
Only 20 percent of respondents preferred user-generated content such as that offered on YouTube. However, those people consume a lot of video and spend more than most people on cellular voice, text messaging and premium wireless content.
- Local and Network Content
By almost a two-to-one margin (60 percent) people said, if forced to choose, they would rather watch the programming from their local broadcasters and their networks than cable network offerings.

Three quarters of those responding to the survey indicated they wanted to watch video whenever and wherever they found themselves waiting. In-Stat believes this "waiting room" usage model requires a device that is small and unobtrusive, yet can be used to quickly locate and start playing content. Video provided to cellphones by mobile operators over 3G and broadcast networks are best suited to fill that need immediately. This will mature with the technology and programming as consumers find more ways to view video when away from home.

Click here for more information on In-Stat