opinion

Streaming Video Still King, Report Says

Whether it involves connecting an HDMI cable from your desktop, laptop, gaming system or mobile device into your television set; using an external set-top media device; or taking advantage of the latest generation of Internet-enabled televisions, a growing number of consumers prefer to view online video using their TV as their platform of choice.

According to consumer-analytics company NPD, televisions have become the most popular way for many users to watch online streaming video, with 43 percent of survey respondents saying that their TV is their main platform for watching online videos; marking a significant increase from 2011’s 33 percent.

Regardless of the technologies used to deliver the content or the nature of the material itself, it is clear that a growing number of consumers are making the leap from viewing digital video content on computers to their phones and televisions.

The figure represents a swapping of popularity with desktop and laptop computers, which dropped from 2011’s 48 percent to 31 percent today, as consumer’s video viewing platform of choice.

The NPD report states that 10 percent of homes have televisions that are capable of connecting to the Internet, which are joined by other Internet-enabled devices that are increasing in popularity, such as Apple TVs, Blu-ray players, Sony PS3s and Microsoft Xbox 360s.

As for content, NPD notes that 40 percent of Internet-enabled television users are Netflix clients.

Other findings suggest that 47 percent of PS3, Wii and Xbox 360 video game console owners, along with 62 percent of streaming media set-top box owners and 21 percent of Blu-ray Disc player owners, use their devices to view online content including games, music and videos. Likewise for the 38 percent of respondents with computers that have direct-wired Internet connections to their televisions.

Not surprisingly, this trend is increasingly extending into the adult marketplace.

For example, Streamate’s new CamTV.com service brings live interactive sex shows to the viewer’s living room — providing one-on-one webcam action, for a fee, via adult pay-per-view, using an Internet-connected television. The program promises performers increased stardom and guaranteed earnings —accompanied by stricter regulations and technical requirements. The rules include a prohibition against the use of any illegal substances and a more robust respect for copyrights that prohibits the playing of background music, TV, and movies, and the use of copyrighted materials or devices in a sexual manner — with overseers that monitor the process for compliance.

The increased attention to maintaining standards is understandable, however, given the higher quality consumers expect from televised entertainment, as opposed to what they might find acceptable in the online realm; as well as the need to abide by existing laws that are better defined in the broadcast arena than they are for the Internet. Indeed, this tightening of terms may be the most difficult obstacle for adult content broadcasters seeking cable and satellite distribution deals.

But don’t think that just because these shows are on television that their content will be tame, since CamTV.com’s female-centric performances offer hardcore oral, vaginal and anal sex, in addition to solo-shows — although restrictions on specific sexual acts may be imposed by certain networks.

Other adult companies have made inroads into the set-top box market, with FyreTV, RampantTV, Wasteland and many more, capitalizing on the Apple TV, Roku, Boxee and FyreBoXXXfueled fantasies of porn punters everywhere.

Regardless of the technologies used to deliver the content or the nature of the material itself, it is clear that a growing number of consumers are making the leap from viewing digital video content on computers to their phones and televisions. This move provides an impetus to producers and marketers to cater to all screen sizes— big, small and center-stage in the living room.

Related:  

Copyright © 2024 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

To Cloud or Not to Cloud, That Is the Question

Let’s be honest. It just sounds way cooler to say your business is “in the cloud,” right? Buzzwords make everything sound chic and relevant. In fact, someone uninformed might even assume that any hosting that is not in the cloud is inferior. So what’s the truth?

Brad Mitchell ·
opinion

Upcoming Visa Price Changes to Registration, Transaction Fees

Visa is updating its fee structure. Effective April 1, both the card brand’s initial nonrefundable application fee and annual renewal fee will increase from $500 to $950. Visa is also introducing a fee of 10 cents for each transaction, and 10 basis points — 0.1% — on the payment volume of certain merchant accounts.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

Unpacking the New Digital Services Act

Do you hear the word “regulation” and get nervous? When it comes to the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), you shouldn’t worry. If you’re complying with the most up-to-date card brand regulations, you can breathe a sigh of relief.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

The Perils of Relying on ChatGPT for Legal Advice

It surprised me how many people admitted that they had used ChatGPT or similar services either to draft legal documents or to provide legal advice. “Surprised” is probably an understatement of my reaction to learning about this, as “horrified” more accurately describes my emotional response.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
profile

WIA Profile: Holly Randall

If you’re one of the many regular listeners to Holly Randall’s celebrated podcast, you are already familiar with her charming intro spiel: “Hi, I’m Holly Randall and welcome to my podcast, ‘Holly Randall Unfiltered.’ This is the show about sex, the adult industry and the people in it.

Women In Adult ·
trends

What's Hot Now: Leading Content Players on Trending Genres, Monetization Strategies

The juggernaut creator economy hurtles along, fueled by ever-ascendant demand for personality-based authenticity and intimacy — yet any reports of the demise of the traditional paysite are greatly exaggerated.

Alejandro Freixes ·
opinion

An Ethical Approach to Global Tech Staffing

One thing my 24-year career as a technologist working to support the online adult entertainment industry has taught me about is the power of global staffing. Without a doubt, I have achieved significantly more business success as a direct result of hiring abroad.

Brad Mitchell ·
opinion

Finding the Right Payment Partner

Whenever I am talking with businesses that are just getting started, one particular question comes up a lot: “How do I get a merchant account?” It’s a simple question, but it has a complicated answer.

Jonathan Corona ·
opinion

The Taxman Cometh for Every Business

February may be the month of romance, but it is also a time when we need to think about something that inspires very little love: taxes. April is not far away, and the taxman is always waiting. This year, federal and most state income taxes are due Monday, April 15.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

The Continuous Journey of Legal Compliance in Adult

The adult entertainment industry is teeming with opportunity but is also fraught with challenges, from anticipating consumer behavior to keeping up with technological innovation. The most labyrinthine of all challenges, however, is the world of legal compliance.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
Show More