Thursday, 7 August 2008

Mobile Video=Internet Video?

The past year has seen two forces emerge to radically change the definition of "mobile video."

First, the Internet delivery of user-generated and professionally produced content is moving viewers from their living rooms to their computers and second, high-quality mobile devices that use wireless networks, such as Apple's Wi-Fi iPhone and iPod Touch, are improving mobile access to the Internet in general.

As a result, “Internet video” is increasingly becoming synonymous with “mobile video” says high-tech market research firm In-Stat.

In-Stat identified two potential models for mobile TV viewing: "waiting room" and "leisure time" with very different requirements.

David Chamberlain, In-Stat analyst, points out, "Personal devices such as cellphones and personal media players are preferred for the waiting room scenario. However, if there is more time available, survey respondents preferred larger screens on products such mobile Internet devices or ultra-mobile PCs"

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

• Mobile operators offering both 3G and out-of-band video content (such as MediaFLO, DVB-H or 1-Seg) have the near-term advantage fulfilling both leisure time and waiting room usage models.

• Over half of the respondents to an In-Stat US consumer survey reported watching Internet video in the previous 30 days.

• There is a strong preference for full-length shows rather than selected highlights tailored for mobile viewing.

• US survey respondents prefer monthly subscription fees to the purchase of video devices.