45pc of Europeans view TV via web


3 May 2007

Some 45pc of European TV viewers are watching their programmes online, according to a study released today by Motorola.

The study of 2,500 broadband users from the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain showed that the French were the highest users, with 59pc tuning into their TV programmes via the internet.

At 33pc, Germany had the lowest number of broadband users using their connection for watching TV shows.

The study also suggested that TV owners were using their sets for much more than just watching programmes, with nearly a third of those surveyed using it to attach a digital camera and download and view photos.

“These results show that viewers across Europe are no longer satisfied with fitting into schedules dictated by broadcasters and are turning to the choice and flexibility offered by TV over the internet,” said Karl Elliott, marketing director for EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) in Motorola’s connected home solutions division.

“We are witnessing a nation of citizen schedulers who are in control of their entertainment, allowing them to decide not only what they watch but exactly how and when they want to watch it.”

Reasons for popularity of internet protocol television (IPTV) included 35pc of viewers saying that they wanted to be able to pause, rewind or fast-forward live television.

Some 45pc of those surveyed said that they felt by 2012 they would be using their TV set as a means of communication by making video calls.

“Your faithful television has become the doorway to entertainment in your home; the most recognisable living room feature is becoming one of the most important means of communication,” said Elliott.

By Marie Boran