broadband news

Broadband TV not harmful to viewing figures

Over the past 12 months it has been impossible to escape the explosion in so-called 'TV over broadband' services, with Channel 4 and the BBC being among those offering viewers the chance to stream or download programmes on their computers using their broadband connections.

The services are sold to broadband users on the strength of their 'catch up anytime' nature, meaning viewers do not have to be in front of their television when a programme starts - they can simply start up their broadband connection at any time and choose from an ever-growing list of programmes, using software such as 4OD and BBC iPlayer.

Now, new research has shown that the surge in broadband users using the new technology to watch shows has not harmed traditional viewing figures. TV marketing body Thinkbox has found that viewers are watching almost four hours of television a day, which represents a 2% increase on the five year average.

This suggests that the boom in broadband TV has actually sparked an upturn for broadcast transmissions, rather than signalling their doom. Thinkbox says that the "co-existence"� of broadband and broadcast TV is beneficial not only to viewers but also the formats themselves.

One reason why broadband TV may never topple traditional broadcasts is the relatively poor picture quality offered by streaming, as well as the obvious fact that programmes have to be viewed at a computer. However, analysts say that as the broadband TV market continues to grow, a clearer picture of its relationship with 'the box' may emerge.

14/08/2008
Author: CompareBroadbandUK staff writer

Next broadband news story

T-Mobile offers free laptop with mobile broadband
- Mobile network T-Mobile becomes the latest provider to offer free laptops to customers signing up to its mobile broadband package.
14/08/2008

Read all our broadband news stories

Sign up to our broadband newsletterStay updated with our free broadband and mobile broadband newsletter.