Monday, 28 August 2006

Mobile Video Industry Will Begin to Shape up in 2008

The market for long form mobile/portable video content will gain traction by 2008 and demonstrate its long-term potential, said information technology firm In-Stat.

The long form mobile/portable video content, which has video content more than 30 minutes is currently at its experimental state and will likely remain at this stage for at least two years.

"The greatest potential for this market rests with its ability to complement the existing video industry. For example, there will be over 50 million portable media players in use worldwide by 2008,” says Michael Inouye, In-Stat analyst. "The portable/mobile long form video market will not likely cannibalize sales from the DVD and other traditional markets, but rather, supplement top-line growth."

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

• It is not clear if users will prefer an all-purpose multimedia cellular phone or separate voice and multimedia devices.
• Mobile video subscribers stand to represent over 10% of US wireless subscribers by 2009.
• Roughly one out of eight respondents in an In-Stat survey of mobile users expressed interest in mobile video for the cellular market.