Blog articles from 05/2012

Written by Brett L. Sappington, Director of Research As part of our work on the recently released TV Everywhere: Growth, Solutions, and Strategies (2nd Ed.) - North America report, we analyzed consumer survey data to find actual awareness and use of TV Everywhere services among subscribers of US and Canadian operators. We found that awareness among subscribers was under 25% for most operators and usage was under 12%. A surprisingly small figure given the attention and...

Global research finds Brazil is outpacing Russia, China, and India in its growth rate for pay-TV subscriptions and its household discretionary spending for movies, music, and games is nearly double that of China. During 2011, pay-TV service subscriptions in Brazil increased by over 30%, and broadband service subscriptions grew by 20%. By comparison, service growth in Russia and China is at or below 20%. Continued economic improvement in the country has increased demand for CE, and...

Smart Energy Summit: Engaging the Consumer is an annual event hosted by international research firm Parks Associates. The event covers energy management from every angle, with Parks Associates' analysts providing market analysis and consumer and industry research, with sessions exploring market timing, value propositions, consumer engagement models, and revenue streams for all players in the industry. The 2012 conference in Austin, Texas, featured speakers from utilities, retail...

  59% of U.S. broadband households want access to on-demand YouTube content through their pay-TV service, with the growing number of smart TVs and connected devices driving interest in online video options. Parks Associates will present new smart TV and connected consumer electronics research, with new content strategies to capture consumer interest and new revenues, at CONNECTIONS™ at TIA 2012, June 5-7 in Dallas, Texas. Over 80% of viewers interested in YouTube opt for a...

By: Kurt Scherf, Vice President, Principal Analyst BSkyB was making news on the business and technology front this week, as it was reported that it purchased Swiss-based Acetrax, an online video movie rental and download company. We became familiar with Acetrax in late 2009, as it was one of the more active online video companies (in Europe and elsewhere) in striking deals to link its service to the growing number of smart TVs and connected consumer electronics products . With total...

On April 25, Best Buy and AARP announced a Geek Squad program aimed at older technology users (age 50+). The Geek Squad Tech Support & Guidance for AARP Members is $169.99 for a one-year subscription. In addition to providing the standard break/fix technology services for which Geek Squad is well-known, other features of the subscription include access to a personal shopper service with exclusive e-mail access, electronics recyling, set-up and training of equipment, and discounts on...