• by December 13, 2001

New research by Knowledge Networks/Statistical Research (KN/SRI) finds that the relationship between computers, the Internet and television is one of parallel growth, not mutual exclusion. Data from the Fall 2001 "Ownership Report" -- part of "The Home Technology Monitor" -- show that households with multiple PCs or Internet access are more likely to rent VHS tapes and DVDs, buy pay-per-view programming, and pay $50 or more per month for cable/satellite service.

The new report shows that, compared to those with no computers, homes with two or more PCs are about twice as likely to have rented a VHS tape in the past month (64% vs. 34%) and to be paying $50 or more per month for cable/satellite service (31% vs. 15%).

In addition, past-month pay-per-view purchase is more than three times higher in multiple-PC homes (14% versus 4%).

Similarly, homes with online access are 50% more likely to have rented a VHS tape in the past month (57% versus 37%) than non-Internet homes, and they are nearly twice as likely to be paying premium prices for cable service (25% versus 15%).

David C. Tice, head of the "Home Technology Monitor" program, said this is "clear evidence that the relationship between a household's TV use and PC/Internet use is not a zero-sum game."