Articles

1.3.2011 New TVs may change French habits

Many French consumers are interested in web-connected television sets, a medium which could draw this audience away from computer screens. GroupM, part of WPP Group,surveyed a representative panelof 604 netizens in the country to gauge their attitudes and opinions. It reported that 37% were at least familiar with the concept of TV sets possessing internet functionality, up on 26% in an equivalent study last year. Almost half the sample currently utilised audiovisual platforms like catch-up services and digital programme guides, although 74% did so via a PC, measured against 42% for a set-top box.

Exactly 70% of those questioned agreed on-demand access to content they has missed would be the most attractive feature of televisions boasting online capabilities. A further 64% liked the idea of detailed listings, 57% hoped to store and recall personal files, while 56% expressed an enthusiasm for receiving updates on travel, weather and similar subjects. Elsewhere, 55% mentioned logging on to websites, 50% desired further information about broadcast material, 46% hoped to access free apps, and 45% wanted to visit video portals.

When assessing how this should impact their wider habits, 44% of GroupM's cohort believed watching material via such a route may well be "to the detriment of the computer." However, 74% of contributors were not willing to pay an additional sum for extra services provided by web-connected TVs, while 13% would do so. Overall, 48% of interviewees regularly watched TV at the same time as surfing the net, with 46% visiting social networks and 44% looking for information covering a show currently on air.

B.L. 1.3.2011