Sales of Streaming Video Media Devices Rising at a Rapid Rate

The number of houses in the US with broadband and a streaming video media device has doubled since 2011, according to new research from Parks Associates.

Devices such as a Roku or an Apple TV are now in 14 per cent of homes.

The report, entitled Connected TV: Trends and Innovation, completed an independent survey of 10,000 US broadband households and noted Roku is the most-used streaming video media device in the US.

Some 37 per cent primarily use a Roku compared to the 24 per cent that have an Apple TV.

Streaming television services is set to grow even further, according to the research and Parks Associates predicts the number of connected TVdevices sold worldwide will reach 330 million annually by 2017, which is almost double the amount set to be sold in 2013.

Average product prices will naturally decline over this time, but annual sales revenues will increase by almost 100 per cent by 2017 as more households buy smart TVs, gaming consoles, Blu-ray players andstreaming video media devices.

Individuals are now consuming media on demand through digital means. For example, in the UK the BBC iPlayer has proven popular, giving viewers the opportunity to watch their favourite shows whenever they choose to.

Live TV is also being streamed to people’s devices, with Sky Go successfully giving its customers a service they can take with them on the move.

Broadcasters must adapt to the changes in the market and offer content through digital channels as well as the traditional ones. Consumers now demand more ways to obtain their services and those who do not offer them a digital package will likely fall behind.

Barbara Kraus, director, research, Parks Associates: “Innovations such as next-gen game consoles and 4K or ultra-HD TVs will boost unit sales for these devices … As a result, streaming video media devices will have a thriving market because they can offer innovations such as streaming video at low prices.”

MPP Globalwill be at IFA in Berlin and IBC in Amsterdam, in September.