US : The boundary lines between the TV, PC, and mobile screens are blurring with increased broadband and 3G penetration, reports In-Stat. Service providers are being challenged from all sides for control over the consumer and the content they consume, the high-tech market research firm says. The challenge for network service providers is how to add value in the connected lifestyle.

“One answer is the introduction of multi-screen video services,” says Keith Nissen, In-Stat analyst. “For instance, consumers could view NBC’s videos of the recent Olympic Games on TV, PC, or mobile devices using existing network services. Another alternative is converged multi-screen services that offer consumers the same capabilities, along with value-added, next-generation features and functions that make the service device independent.”

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

• Within five years, there is the potential for 11 million TV-PC service subscribers and nearly 16 million converged PC-mobile service subscribers in the US.
• Based on consumer surveys, In-Stat has concluded that TV-PC two-screen video services are best offered as content-only multi-screen services, with a common, web-based portal for content identification, sampling, selection, and purchasing.

The research, “The US Market for Multi-Screen Services” (#IN0803962WWI), covers consumer behavior and preferences regarding multi-screen video services. It identifies how US consumers are using the different screens and the frequency that applications/activities are used. The research also identifies multi-screen service requirements, evaluates the demand for content-only multi-screen services, and quantifies the added value that converged multi-screen services provide. It assesses the market for PC-TV two-screen services, and PC-mobile two-screen services. Survey data is used to highlight the differences between the two approaches, and to generate a five-year US subscriber and revenue forecast for both types of multi-screen services.

For more information on this research or to purchase it online, please visit: http://www.instat.com/catalog/pcatalogue.asp?id=272 or contact a sales representative: http://www.instat.com/sales.asp

The price is $3,495 (US).