Most consumer electronics manufacturers remain committed to developing personal video recorder (PVR) products, despite the lacklustre take-up of the system seen so far, according to a new report from InStat/MDR.
PVRs have been hailed as a revolution in the way that audiences can watch television and many believe that they represent a serious threat to the TV advertising industry (see
PVR Uptake Gives Ad Industry Food For Thought).
InStat says that manufacturers are now focusing on the development of PVRs for pay-TV service providers, as well as integrating PVR-functionality into existing consumer electronic platforms.
Despite the poor consumer take-up of PVR, InStat says that satisfaction rates among current PVR users is extremely high. An InStat/MDR survey of existing PVR users showed that 83% of the respondents were either ‘extremely satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with their PVR service.
Forecasts Worldwide annual shipments of PVR units passed the one million mark last year, according to the research. “This was a significant milestone that underlined increasing consumer awareness about the attractions of ‘time shifted’ video services, says Mike Paxton, a senior analyst with InStat.
The group forecasts that worldwide unit shipments of PVR products will increase from 1.5 million in 2002 to over 11 million in 2005. Increasing demand for PVR-enabled satellite boxes will be the primary driver for growth, it says.
North America will account for over 80% of worldwide PVR shipments this year. This percentage will drop to 55% in 2007, as demand for PVR products increases in Europe and Asia.
