Broadband News

VHS still ahead of internet TV for catch-ups

Garnet Roach garnet@consumerchoices.co.uk

In a world of high-tech digital recorders and internet television, old fashioned video recorders are still the most popular way of catching up on missed TV according to new research (21-05-08).

The survey by YouGov for Redback Networks showed that 57 per cent of UK adults watched 10 hours or more on-demand or recorded television each week, and that the most common method for recording programmes was using a video recorder or VHS machine, with 27 per cent of people catching up on missed TV this way.

Sky+ was the second most popular method, with 22 per cent of people using Sky's (www.Sky.com) digital recorder set-top box.

16 per cent of the 2,168 respondents questioned used internet download and streaming services such as the BBC iPlayer and Channel 4’s 4oD service while on-demand TV service such as those offered by Virgin Media (www.VirginMedia.com) represented only 11 per cent of catch-up television.

However, the research also found that internet TV and video are quickly increasing in popularity and becoming regular channels for mass-consumer content.

“While the good old VHS recorder has created audience demand for time-shifted TV programmes, it is new game-changing internet video services such as the BBC iPlayer which are reshaping how carriers upgrade their networks over time,” said Philip Wilton, director of sales and operations in the UK for Redback Networks.

Michael Phillips, BroadbandChoices.co.uk product director, said: “Although many people are still holding onto their old technologies, recent developments in internet television - such as the iPlayer being available via the TV for Virgin Media customers and Sky’s relaunch of its own Sky Anytime service as Sky Player with streaming as well as downloads - show that it is a real contender for television audiences.

“However, as content and quality improves and internet TV becomes even more popular, consumers need to be increasingly careful about their usage limits. Whether you have a set monthly download allowance or a fair usage policy, you need to ensure that you don’t end up being charged for excess usage or have your connection throttled to dial-up speed for exceeding your fair usage policy,” he warned.

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