Tablet video viewing doubles in 12 months

Use of tablets for viewing TV and video content has more than doubled in 14 markets, according NPD DisplaySearch’s Global TV Replacement Study.

The growth is a result of increased tablet penetration and improved connectivity infrastructure, the report noted. Turkey is the fastest growing region, with tablet usage growing from 3.1% of the population in 2011 to 16.5% in 2012. Tablet usage increased almost four-fold in Germany and three-fold in the US and France.

Overall, 70% of consumers told NPD DisplaySearch that they watch TV and video content on devices other than the TV. In mature markets, including the US, the UK and Germany, a higher number of people viewed video content on portable computing devices including tablets and notebook PCs. In emerging markets including China, Indonesia, Russia and Turkey, consumers tended to view content on smart phones.

“While the trends vary by region, it is evident that consumers around the globe are watching more video and TV content with their portable electronic devices as these provide additional means of accessing content,” said Riddhi Patel, research director of consumer insights for NPD DisplaySearch. “Despite this increase, however, TVs still remain the primary device of choice for viewing TV content, with 30% of consumers reporting that they view TV/video content on TVs alone.”