Only 1% of
consumers report they have canceled subscription TV/Video services because they are accessing content instead on the Internet. According to the 2010 edition of the Frank N. Magid & Associates update
on cross platform video use and consumer attitudes, cord cutting is likely a myth. Only 2.5% of U.S. media consumers use the Internet exclusively for their content. And only 3% of consumers are even
considering leaving TV subscriptions for other video sources.
Instead, Magid is finding that the people who use alternative video sources like Web, mobile and streaming media boxes are also
spending the most on traditional subscription services. The analysts argue that the statistics show that networks and cable providers should consider these digital alternatives additive. "The average
American's capacity to consume video content is impressive," says Magid Media Futures VP Maryann Baldwin in a statement. "As new video platforms such as instant streaming and mobile apps proliferate,
consumers are simply adding them to their portfolio of video viewing options."
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In fact the taste for traditional media on alternative platforms may be lower than some presume. Magid's survey
of 1,208 adults age 12 and over found that only 10% of respondents were interested in seeing TV and movie content on computer screens and mobile devices like tablets. Actually, they find there is a
surge in interest instead in bringing this and other video on demand content to the TV screen via a connected PC. Interest in converging video on the TV is even higher when consumers are asked about
dedicated streaming media boxes like Roku, Apple TV, Google TV and Boxee
Video is not a zero-sum game...at least for now and at least not for traditional TV broadcasts. DVDs continue to be
most at risk from these new platforms, Magid says. The arrival of 3D TV is tracking slowly but not unlike the adoption curve of HDTV years ago, Magid says. Only 8% of those surveyed said they expected
to buy a 3D TV in the next 12 months. Compared to a similar level of interest in the first year HDTV were offered, Magid finds that generally only 4% actually did follow through to buy the new
technology in short order. The analysts say they expect 5% of U.S. households to have 3D TVs by the end of 2011. Moreover, consumers are not shoing great concern over the dearth of 3D content
available. They appear to be ready to make 3D a future-proofing part of their next TV purchase.
Magid says that attitudes toward Tv and other video viewing has remains relatively steady since
the introduction of HDTV a decade ago. The additional video services like 3D, streaming media, Web video, TV apps, etc. are likely to added to our existing HD screens and not necessarily divert
business from that core of subscription services.