The number of people watching TV over the internet has increased steadily over the last 12 months, according to Continental Research’s Autumn 2007 Internet & Convergence Report. The strongest amount of growth has come from the number watching shows that have been downloaded from the internet, doubling from 1.3 million in 2006 to 2.4 million in 2007.
In addition to the 2.9 million who have already watched streamed TV online, a further 2.4 million say they are likely to in the next year. The number of downloads is also likely to increase by a further 3.3 million people.
The most popular service is Channel 4’s 4oD, which is accessed by 25% of internet users. The BBC’s existing on demand services record 16%, followed by Sky Anytime (12%) and the recently launched ITV on Demand (10%).
40% of those questioned said they were either certain or likely to use the BBC iPlayer, though 44% said they were not likely.