Streaming TV, Internet TV to see substantial growth
A new report from Juniper Research (http://www.juniperresearch.com) finds that the number of streamed mobile TV users on smartphones will increase to 240 million by 2014. This increase will be driven by a rise in smartphone penetration and a growth in the usage of internet TV and IPTV services.
Not only does this bode well for mobile devices such as the iPhone and iPad, increased use of Internet TV could also benefit the rumored "iMac TV" and the "iTV" -- assuming, of course, either really exists or will exist.
The report found that the substantial growth in streamed mobile TV users would arise from a combination of both increased smartphone penetration and, critically, an increasing usage of live and on-demand services both on TVs and computers. These catch-up and live Internet TV services are already allowing users to become their own program schedulers. Mobile allows consumers to take this content away from the home by "placeshifting" it and adding a new dimension to the TV experience.
Another driver for this growth is the need for consumers to be able to access time-critical content such as sports and news as they occur. These types of content are constantly changing and mobile TV allows consumers to become aware of events as they happen -- particularly important for sports fans who typically wish to watch games live.
According to Juniper Research report author Charlotte Miller, "The smartphone really allows the consumer to transport the TV experience out of the home, allowing them to view live and on-demand content while on the move. The ubiquity of free WiFi also allows users of these services to access content without the threat of billshock -- driving take up of streamed mobile TV services across all WiFi-enabled mobile devices."
Other key findings from the report include:
° By 2016, nearly 10% of mobile TV revenues will be generated on tablet devices.
° Usage of broadcast mobile TV will be minimal outside of the Far East & China.
° Subscriptions will make up the vast majority of mobile TV revenues.
-- Dennis Sellers
