In a short space of time the digital video recorder has become the second most essential household technology item, beaten only by the mobile phone.
Seven out of ten owners say they cannot live without a DVR (often referred to as the PVR and occasionally DTR), according to the NDS DVR Report. The survey carried out on behalf of the technology company by Consumer Analysis Group interviewed 1,012 people aged 18-70 years old who have a DVR at home. Consumers were interviewed in the UK (256), US (252), Italy (251) and Australia (253); all markets where the NDS XTV technology has been deployed.
“We commissioned this consumer survey to celebrate the milestone announcement that NDS technology now resides in over 13 million DVRs worldwide, making us the global leader in this market,” explained Nigel Smith, chief marketing officer, NDS. “The survey results show just how fast the DVR has become an indispensable part of people’s lives in the UK, US, Italy and Australia. It’s one of those technologies that, once tried, has you wondering how you coped before.”
DVR owners are on average watching slightly more than four hours of recorded and live television a day. Nearly 61% think a DVR is easier to operate than a video cassette recorder and almost 58% believe they are watching more interesting TV. A number of respondents having purchased one DVR are keen to get a second; 30% of the British, 52% of Americans, 49% of Australians and 57% of Italians.
An important fact for operators who have yet to deploy DVR technology is that 60% of DVR owners with a partner believe it has improved their relationship.
