Console users spending more time watching streaming video

New data released by Nielsen reveals that streaming video usage has increased across all three consoles, and has also increased engagement.

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Microsoft's been making a big deal about its new Xbox TV initiative. The latest Dashboard update enables console owners to stream video from a variety of sources, including UFC, HBO, and more. Sony offers PS3 owners a number of services as well, including MLB and NHL. Even Nintendo offers Netflix on the Wii, with Hulu Plus support coming soon.

These efforts have not been for naught, as new data released by Nielsen reveals that streaming video usage has increased across all three consoles.

Three thousand gamers were surveyed in October (before the launch of the new Xbox Dashboard), and it showed gains across the board for video usage. Streaming represents 14% of time spent on Xbox 360, 15% on PS3, and 33% on Wii. These figures don't come at the detriment of playing games, either. According to Nielsen, metered console usage has increased 7% year over year, suggesting that "streaming is incrementally adding to the time users are spending with consoles."

While consoles are increasingly becoming media hubs, many of their functions are becoming neglected. DVD/Blu-ray usage has gone down, likely due to the increase of streaming availability. Other services provided by the platforms, such as listening to music, and using the internet browser, have also dropped significantly.

Given the big three's focus on expanding media offerings on their systems, it should be clear that next year's figures will see another boost in streaming consumption on consoles.

Andrew Yoon was previously a games journalist creating content at Shacknews.

From The Chatty
  • reply
    December 14, 2011 12:30 PM

    Andrew Yoon posted a new article, Console users spending more time watching streaming video.

    New data released by Nielsen reveals that streaming video usage has increased across all three consoles, and has also increased engagement.

    • reply
      December 14, 2011 12:36 PM

      New data shows that as more consoles get streaming capability and services, more streaming stuff is watched!

      In other news, higher speed limits make drivers drive faster!

      • reply
        December 14, 2011 12:37 PM

        Not quite. It would be more like drivers upgrading to higher grade gasses for higher speeds. Since the streaming is optional and generally an added cost.

    • reply
      December 14, 2011 1:44 PM

      Gotta be honest, for the past 4 years, the only use my 360 ever got was for watching dvds and after that streaming netflix. Since netflix went psycho with the streaming package my 360 hasn't been turned on. I've purchased one 360 game in the past 4 years. Biggest waste of money I've ever spent.

      At least the PS3 has bluray.

      • reply
        December 14, 2011 5:34 PM

        Of course it's a fucking waste of money if you didn't buy games for it. I'm predominantly a PC gamer, but I'm also a Nintendo fanboy and even I have like 20 360 games and I'd say a good 10 of them are must-plays.

    • reply
      December 14, 2011 1:55 PM

      Makes sense. Not many people want to watch full movies on their computers and a lot don't have a TV connected to their PCs.

      • reply
        December 14, 2011 5:18 PM

        You can watch a movie with just your TV now you know.

        • reply
          December 14, 2011 9:26 PM

          Not streaming video you can't without some support from an IPTV box, console, or device with streaming support like a Blu Ray player and some TVs.

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