Tablets including the iPad and Android-based tablets are increasing in number, and so is watching TV and video on those tablets. According to findings in the Global TV Replacement Study, not only is tablet usage going up, but consumers are looking to alternative devices to view TV and video content.
More than 70 percent of consumers worldwide view video content on devices other than TV sets. While tablet usage is going up, some of those other devices include notebook PCs, smartphones, portable media players and desktop computers. The study looked at 14 markets including the U.S., Japan, Germany, Italy, the U.K., Russia, urban areas of China, Indonesia, Brazil, and Turkey. The study finds that in mature markets such as the U.S., the U.K. and Germany, a higher number of people view content on portable computing devices such as a tablet or notebook computers. In emerging markets such as China, Indonesia, Russia and Turkey, consumers are more likely to view content on something more portable, such as a smartphone. The habit of viewing video on smartphones and similar connected devices in emerging markets is likely due to the high penetration of wireless networks.
"While the trends vary by region, it is evident that consumers around the globe are watching more video and TV content with their portable electronic devices as these provide additional means of accessing content," said Riddhi Patel, research director of consumer insights at NPD DisplaySearch, in a statement on the report.
Tablets, smartphones and other devices won't replace TV anytime soon. "Despite this increase, however, TVs still remain the primary device of choice for viewing TV content, with 30 percent of consumers reporting that they view TV and video content on TVs alone."
The report finds that TV replacement cycles are actually shorter this year than they were in 2011. In all countries surveyed, consumers expressed interest in sets with improved picture quality, larger size and high-definition performance. Increasing availability of these sets and declining prices are fueling the demand in mature and emerging markets. LCD dominates as the flat panel technology of choice globally.
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