While most free to air TV channels offer a free 2 to 4 week “catch up” for missed shows the convenience of any episode, any time on demand is more compelling. NPD says that over 50% of streaming viewers are aged 18 to 34 “who want to watch TV where and when they want on the device they want”. 83% of streaming is done on a computing device like a PC or tablet via an internet browser and of course broadband internet.
As one who has just discovered free VOD (see iTWire article here) I can see the attraction and it will only be a matter of time before premium VOD providers like Hulu come to Australia (advertising, copyright and legal issues to sort out).
|
|
Opinion
It does not bode well for video stores and on-line movie rental (click and pay) – if it has been on regular free to air TV people don’t expect to pay (click and play). I am not sure it spells the death of pay TV that focuses on offering a vast range of channels and content but it may mean that to survive they may need to start operating free VOD services, even if its backed by advertising to generate revenue.
