TV Everywhere Grows, but Content Rights Still Slowing the Market Down

Nearly one-third of US Telco TV households are expected to access multiscreen or TV Everywhere services by the end of 2013 – the vast majority of which already use advanced interactive features like remote programming a DVR. Cable is close behind due to its early lead, but the growth rate for these services is slower because of the greater diversity of cable households and services (not all service providers offer TVE). Satellite operators are further behind, due to slower starts and lack of in-house broadband services, but offer some novel experiences like Dish’s Sling place-shifting technology.

“The market is still developing with many of the early growing pains, like authentication, finally starting to take a back seat to the content,” comments senior analyst, Michael Inouye. “In many respects the technology is in place to increasingly offer wider reaching TVE services. Securing the rights to broader content distribution is the primary remaining hurdle, but once standard metrics are developed the content floodgates are expected to open wider.”

Consumers also need further education about these TVE services, particularly to help navigate content availability and fragmented device support. Outside of the computer, Apple’s iPad continues to be the most supported TVE device in the US market. In fact, iOS and Android smartphones and tablets capture the lion’s share of device support, besting even the popular game consoles, speaking to the vital importance mobility plays in the future of the TVE market.

“In the multiscreen and OTT space the MVPDs are moving at a relatively fast pace – rapid enough that in some instances the platforms have outpaced consumer awareness,” adds practice director, Sam Rosen. “Beyond consumer education a great deal of work remains to best optimize the user experience, one that satisfies consumers’ increasing penchant for on demand content but also ensures the content is adequately monetized. This objective is creating new opportunities for a wide range of companies within the greater content value chain.”

These findings are part of ABI Research’s OTT and Multi-screen Services Research Service.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.