Strategy Analytics: Game Consoles Propel Online Video Viewing
The games console has become the most popular device for U.S. consumers to watch online content on their TV screens, according to a report from the Strategy Analytics Connected Home Devices service, “Multiscreen Connected TV: Assessing Device Usage and Ownership.” While the PC remains the dominant screen for online viewing overall, transferring this experience to the big screen is becoming increasingly popular and is a key driver of consumption of filmed entertainment delivered via IP. Twelve percent of U.S. households use games consoles to watch online content, more than the percentage of U.S. households that connect PCs to TV via HDMI.
Strategy Analytics found that 65 percent of U.S.-based weekly Xbox 360 users under the age of 25 access online TV shows and movies primarily via games consoles–even more than they do on desktop or notebook PC screens.
"The upcoming Xbox TV launch for the holiday season will demonstrate an expansion of the partnership between the games consoles and the online TV and video industries,” says Jia Wu, Strategy Analytics senior analyst, in a statement. "Games consoles have already become the key media hub in U.S. households.”