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The way you digest TV has changed dramatically over time, and with the introduction to online platforms and streaming services, it will probably never be the same again. You can stream a Netflix original on your phone, or catch up on the latest shows on Amazon while on the move. From the advancements in Film and TV, you have a variety of choice and platforms, but which is more convenient, the online platform on a device or on the Smart TV?
Netflix
This could be said to be the most popular online platform. At the beginning of 2013, the company reported that it added an extra two million US customers during its fourth quarter of 2012, making a total of 29.4 million total customers worldwide. Since then, the company closed its 2016 year with 93.8 million subscribers. In the meantime, Netflix expanded from just supplying to the US and now, 47% of the users reside outside of this area. It’s safe to say they’ve come a long way from mainly selling and renting DVD’s.
This superb platform has changed the way we digest TV, and has changed our watching habits. Netflix’s CPO Neil Hunt believes that Netflix is the model for what TV will look like in 2025. The internet gives you no time pressure, and allows you to binge watch your favourite shows. We can access the streaming service on our smart TV’s, through external systems and even on our phones and tablets. Who needs a DVD through the post now?
Amazon Prime
This subscription platform offers not just a streaming service, but for your monthly fee you can get extra benefits and free quick shipping from the online store. The prime membership in Germany, UK, India and the US provides access to the video streaming service which includes selected movies, TV shows and ‘Amazon Originals’. It also allows users to rent e-books.
Last year, the service saw 33 million users, which was 43% year over year. This meant they almost doubled their payment volume. Even though there are 300million accounts stored in the service themselves, only the above amount of people use the streaming service. Will this increase with the likes of The Grand Tour and many others being shown through the service?
Netflix members view video 12.7 times on average per month, whereas ITunes user buy or rent video 4.9 times and Amazon members view video 8.3 times per month. Does this mean Netflix is still on top?
It would do, if Amazon only offered its subscription service. However, it doesn’t. If you take into consideration, Prime users buying and renting content up to 5.1 times a month, then the Amazon Prime users view video 13.4 times a month. Who will come out on top?
BBC to C4
As well as these online subscription services, you no longer must be sat down at a certain time for our favourite programmes to be broadcast. The soaps on ITV can be streamed later and the news on Channel 4 can be watched whenever you feel like it. With most original TV channels now supplying an app, you can access all these on your Smart TV.
You can now access all our shows on separate platforms and streaming services, without waiting around, or scheduling around your busy life. However accessible these services are and how many applications you have at your disposal; surely, it’s better to have access to them all in one convenient place?
With a Smart TV, all these services, apps and channels are available. No need to unplug, plug in and swap devices. You can put your feet up, grab the remote and go from Netflix, to Amazon, over to BBC IPlayer and back again. It’s that easy.
At Electronic World, we have a wide variety of Smart TV’s that allow you to binge watch, channel flick and app browse. If you would like any more information on our products, simply get in touch with our team, who will be happy to answer any questions and find the perfect Smart TV for you.
