Continental Research has released its autumn 2007 'Internet & Convergence Report', which highlights the growth in Internet TV (IPTV) usage. In particular, the number watching shows they have previously downloaded from the Internet has doubled from 1.3m (5% of UK surfers) in 2006 to 2.4m (8%) in 2007.

Those that watched a TV programme broadcast via the Internet (streaming) have increased from 1.9m (7%) in 2006 to 2.9m (10% of surfers) in 2007. The research also found that 40% of Internet users are likely to try out the BBC’s iPlayer video-on-demand service:


Interestingly, in a chart of the UK's most used Internet TV services, Channel4's 4OD beat the BBC's iPlayer by 25% to 16% respectively:

• 4OD - 25%
• BBC/ BBC iPlayer - 16%
• Sky Anytime - 12%
• ITV on Demand - 10%

We expect that the interest and recognition of the BBC's brand will ultimately cause its iPlayer to steam ahead.