Televisions could succeed PCs as the top online video platform

TVs are outpacing computers as the key platform for Internet video, according to Parks Associates. In the first quarter of 2014, US broadband households watched roughly three hours of online video per week on each platform, but the amount of online video consumed on a TV is increasing, up from 2.3 hours per week in Q1 2013, while online video viewing on a PC is on a steady decline. The research, 360 View: Entertainment Services in U.S. Broadband Households, found 81% of US broadband households watch video on a TV set, while 60% watch content on a computer.

Whether you use a gaming console, a Blu-ray or media player, or a smart TV, it’s no surprise that Internet-connected TVs are on the rise. But NPD Group’s latest quarterly Connected Home Report shows that the numbers took a big jump from the same time last year, showing connected TVs rising around 17 percent, or 6 million homes, for a total of 42 million in the first quarter of 2014. That’s a whole lotta TVs on the Web, putting the big screen in prime position to overtake the PC as the most ubiquitous Internet-equipped component.  NPD cites the ever-increasing popularity of streaming media players is a major driving factor in the rise of connected TVs. Whether using Rokus, Apple TVs, Google’s Chromecast, Amazon’s Fire TV, or a slew of other devices, consumers have more choices than ever to get their favorite online content to the big screen.