CBS News

Consumers sometimes forget about the cost of broadband. On average, consumers pay $60 a month for high-speed internet access, which is often bundled with video, phone, and other services, according to Leichtman.

Consumers may need to get a faster connection, which can boost up monthly expenses, in order to stream HD video across multiple devices, according to Brett Sappington, director of research at Parks Associates. "You simply can't go with the lowest-cost connection," he ...read more

But analysts estimate that Sling has racked up fewer than 1 million subscribers since it launched in February 2015. Vue’s numbers are harder to get a handle on, but it’s not on the list of top 10 most popular online video services compiled by research firm Parks Associates. Neither service reports subscriber numbers.

From the article "DirecTV Wants To Be The Online Substitute For Cable" by www.cbsnews.com

Facing stiff competition from Apple TV and Roku, as well as Google's Chromcast, Amazon's content delivery system (CDN) -- which rivals Apple -- may be its saving grace.

"Amazon has a robust CDN, an existing advertising network, and a successful online retail property. So, it is in a position to monetize that box in ways that no other consumer electronic maker or online video service can currently match," Brett Sappington, director of research at Parks Associates, told CBS Ne ...read more

"Amazon has a robust CDN, an existing advertising network, and a successful online retail property. So, it is in a position to monetize that box in ways that no other consumer electronic maker or online video service can currently match," Brett Sappington, director of research at Parks Associates, told CBS News in an email.

"At the same time, having these benefits is no guarantee of success. Google also has an ad network, CDN, and successful video business (YouTube), yet was ...read more

Apple has long been the most-desired brand for tablets, smartphones, MP3 players, and streaming media devices on US shoppers’ holiday lists. And, for the first time, the company also got ranked as the top brand for desktops this year, according to data from market researcher Parks Associates.

From the article, "Matt’s Favorites: Boundaries For Kids And Tech, Tracking Santa, And Much More" by Matt Roush.

Parks Associates announced new connected appliance research today at Smart Energy Summit, showing 44% of U.S. broadband households would allow utilities to manage and monitor their home appliances in order to save money by reducing their energy consumption. The international research firm is hosting the fourth-annual Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer on February 25-27 in San Antonio, featuring consumer data, analysis, and insights on the residential energy management ma ...read more