Multichannel News

Of the platforms, Roku, which just launched a 4K-capable model, is now the third-most commonly used connected CE device for video streaming (10%), behind Microsoft’s Xbox (14%) and Sony’s PlayStation consoles (13%), Parks Associates said, noting that usage declined for both connected gaming consoles and DVRs, paired with a modest increase for smart TVs (see chart).

“Streaming media players continue to stake out a growing portion of the connected home,” said Barbara Kraus, d ...read more

Global research group TDG* estimated that global advertising revenue from OTT TV is expected to grow nearly four-fold between 2015 and 2020. By 2020, OTT TV ad revenue will be approximately US$40 billion, just under half of 2020’s projected US$85 billion in total TV ad revenue.

Global OTT video subscription revenues are forecast to rise from nearly US$9 billion in 2014 to more than US$19 billion in 2019, according to Parks Associates^. Subscription income will represent ano ...read more

Support on the Roku broadens the service’s access to TV-connected platforms, as Roku has shipped more than 10 million players in the U.S., and was the top seller in the category in 2014, according to Parks Associates.

CuriosityStream, which also supports Web browsers, iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, the Google Chromecast adapter (for its Android apps), and the Apple TV (via AirPlay). Per the CuriosityStream site, the service is also considering expansions on smart ...read more

Amazon also introduced the Amazon Fire TV Gaming Edition, a $139.99 option that bundles the new Amazon Fire TV box, a new game controller (featuring a headphone jack and voice search), a 32 GB microSD card, and two games: Shovel Knight and Disney’s Ducktales.

Amazon’s new Fire TV lineup comes the week after Apple introduced a new, more open Apple TV device that does not support 4K/UHD. Roku is rumored to be working on a 4K-capable version of its streaming platform. Accordin ...read more

Apple’s Eddy Cue said the new Apple TV will come in two models – a 32 GB version for $149 and a 64 GB model for $199 – and will become available in late October in 80 countries, and expand to more than 100 by the end of the year. The new devices will join the current-gen Apple TV, which sells for $69.

Apple, which has shipped more than 25 Apple TV units, is launching the new models as it looks to regain the pole position against over-the-top streaming device rivals. Accordi ...read more

Apple could use some fresh ammo in the OTT streaming device department. While Apple has shipped more than 25 Apple TV units without making any big adjustments to the platform in recent years but managed to add services such as HBO Now and the new Showtime standalone OTT service, it has fallen behind rivals. According to Parks Associates, Roku led the way with 34% of the streaming device market in 2014, followed by the Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV and the Apple TV. Apple wil ...read more

UEI intends to operate the acquired business as a wholly-owned subsidiary and market the home security and automation products and services under Ecolink brands and trademarks. UEI said the deal will enable it to extend its reach into traditional home security and consumer/do-it-yourself channels that are now served by Ecolink's products and solutions.

“We are very excited to bring the Ecolink team under the UEI umbrella,” Paul Arling, UEI’s chairman and CEO, said in a state ...read more

Over-the-top subscribers sample broadband video services then drop them at a sizeable pace, according to a new Parks Associates study. For example, about half of the Hulu Plus viewer base has canceled the service within the past year, which represents about 7% of all OTT households, the research found.

At Netflix, 9% of the consumer base churned off, equivalent to 4% of U.S. broadband homes. Amazon Prime Instant Video's churn rate was about 30% for the past 12 months, accor ...read more