Though 80% of game console households own a console capable of some form of DVD playback or online download, only 13% have used their console for movie viewing (some eight million U.S. households), according to new research from The Diffusion Group.
Among that 13%, the vast majority (74%) use only DVD for movie viewing, and approximately one-fourth have also gone online to purchase or rent a digital movie download.
“Today’s next-generation games consoles such as the Xbox 360 or Sony PS3 are true digital multimedia powerhouses,” said Dale Gilliam III, director of primary research and author of the report. “Yet very few of these devices are connected to the internet and, even though these same platforms may feature a high-definition DVD playback system, very few consumers are using them for non-gaming media applications.”
Other key findings of TDG’s new report:
- Approximately half of US broadband households have at least one game console (GC) in the home; 15% have two or more game consoles.
- Among broadband households that own a game console, 52% have a console in their family or living room, 24% have a GC in the second bedroom, and 21% have a GC in the den or gameroom.
- Though the majority (80%) own a console capable of playing DVDs, only 30% said they own a console that it actually enabled DVD playback – demonstrating that many consumers poorly understand the capabilities of today’s game consoles.
- Among those that own a game console connected to the internet, 42% have used the GC to watch an internet-based movie on their TV.
About the study: TDG’s “On the Use of Game Consoles for Movie Viewing” report is based on a survey of 2,000 US broadband heads-of-household and details the media consumption habits, technological proclivities, and demographic characteristics of this emerging segment.
