08 August 2008

Mobile Video Increasingly Includes Internet Video

Mobile video is increasingly encompassing ‘Internet video’, according to a report.

The internet is changing the face of mobile video in two ways, according to market research company In-Stat, which compiled the report. First, internet delivery of user-generated and professionally produced content is moving viewers from their living rooms to their computers. Secondly, high-quality mobile devices that use wireless networks, including Apple's Wi-Fi iPhone and iPod Touch, are improving mobile access to the Internet in general. As a result, "Internet video" increasingly means "mobile video."

In-Stat identified two potential models for mobile TV viewing: "waiting room" and "leisure time" with very different requirements. "Personal devices such as cellphones and personal media players are preferred for the waiting room scenario. However, if there is more time available, survey respondents preferred larger screens on products such mobile Internet devices or ultra-mobile PCs,” explained David Chamberlain, In-Stat analyst.

Mobile operators offering both 3G and out-of-band video content (such as MediaFLO, DVB-H or 1-Seg) have the near-term advantage fulfilling both leisure time and waiting room usage models, according to In-Stat.