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March 11, 2008

Web Trend: Watch TV without One

More television viewers are watching their favorite programs through streaming video on their computers:

When the fourth season of “The Office,” an NBC comedy, had its premiere in September, one in five viewings was on a computer screen instead of a television. The episode attracted a broadcast audience of 9.7 million people, according to Nielsen Media Research. It was also streamed from the Web 2.7 million times in one week, the executive producer, Greg Daniels, said.

[snip]

A study in October by Nielsen Media Research found that one in four Internet users had streamed full-length television episodes online in the last three months, including 39 percent of people ages 18 to 34 and, more surprisingly, 23 percent of those 35 to 54.

"Heroes," "Ugly Betty," "CSI," "House" and "Gossip Girl" are among the other online hits although there is not consistent rating system.

Online news is on the rise with viewers tuning into Fox, CNN and MSNBC and services like Netflix are offering their video and TV portfolio over the internet.

Look for a gradual merge of traditional TV with this disruptive technology.

Posted by Vital at March 11, 2008 10:11 PM