A new report released today by the Australian Communications and Media Authority confirms that Australians are increasingly able to view video content on their own terms, including when, where and how they want it.

The report is part of the ACMA’s ongoing research program into the application of emerging technologies. It provides taxonomy of the new delivery models and discusses the changes to the commercial environment.

The report, entitled IPTV and internet video delivery models: Video content services over IP in Australia, identifies that, while traditional content viewing services such as free-to-air and subscription broadcasting still form the overwhelming backbone for video and television content viewing in Australia, there has been a material increase in the number of alternative distribution methods – with several using the internet.

‘This report is a useful reminder of the impact of the internet on viewing options for Australians,’ said ACMA Chairman, Chris Chapman. ‘While most of these delivery models are still in their infancy in Australia, some examples, such as internet video viewing, are becoming much more common among consumers.’

The report suggests that one in five Australians have already viewed full-length television programs over the internet and one in eight have viewed full-length films.

‘With higher internet speeds and increasing bandwidth capacity, increasingly consumers are less restricted to viewing their favourite programs according to a predetermined schedule or on a single device, such as the family television,’ Mr Chapman said. ‘Already, we’ve seen television ‘catch-up’ services gathering popularity in Australian households.’

The report suggests that the changing content delivery environment will continue to increase the fragmentation of audiences, with ramifications for content owners, distributors, broadcasters and regulators alike.

In order to maximise audience reach, television broadcasters, independent websites and content service providers are offering increasing amounts of professionally-produced content online.

‘This is an exciting, yet obviously challenging, time for the communications and media industries,’ Mr Chapman said. ‘This report has helped the ACMA better understand the new distribution methods for professionally-produced content and the pressures resulting from the convergence of previously distinct platforms over which content is delivered. This report is published to provide information to the market and interested stakeholders and we welcome feedback on it.’

Source: ACMA