To get a better sense for how the world is watching video Nielsen recently completed a survey of more than 27,000 online consumers in 55 countries, asking simple questions about how they watch video.

Because internet access still varies considerably by region, the results of an online survey are not representative of the total global population, but show how an important subset of the global population (the connected population) is consuming video across multiple platforms.

The results from the survey, with corresponding syndicated Nielsen insights where available, were released in a new report, How People Watch – A Global Nielsen Consumer Report.”

Key Findings

Online Video: approximately 70% of global online consumers watch online video; but North Americans and Europeans lag in adoption. More than half of global online consumers watch online video in the workplace.

Mobile Video: is already used by 11% of global online consumers: penetration is highest in Asia-Pacific and among consumers in their late 20s.

Tablet PCs: are expanding the definition of mobile video. Globally, 11% of online consumers already own or plan to purchase a tablet PC (such as an iPad) in the next year.

Television: is a universally important platform for video consumption, with connected consumers in many markets spending 4+ hours per day watching television.

HDTV (High-Definition TV): is improving the TV viewing experience for as many as 30% of global online consumers. Adoption is highest among older consumers and in North America, where HD content has proliferated.

3DTV (Three-Dimensional TV): will have a small but important audience: 12% of global online consumers own or have definite intent to purchase a 3DTV in the next year.

‘Over the Top’ TV: televisions with Internet connections are gaining interest. About one in five (22%) global online consumers owns or has definite interest in buying a television with Internet connection in the next year. (Source: www.advanced-television.com)

Story filed 10.08.10