On-demand TV is in demand in Europe

According to a new study by Motorola, almost half of Europeans watch television shows via the web.

by Helen Leggatt

motorola%20logo.jpg Motorola’s study of 2,500 broadband users from across Europe revealed that many are turning to the internet to view television shows, freeing them from the constraints of programming schedules.

The French came out on top with 59 percent going online to watch television. Italians and Brits came in second and third respectively, whilst German viewers remain most bound to broadcasting schedules with only 33 percent watching shows online.

Apart from the flexibility of viewing times, online viewers can control their viewing experience. Thirty-five percent of those surveyed said they wanted to be able to pause, rewind or fast-forward live television. Fifty-seven percent of respondents wanted to be able to go online via the television during a live broadcast, for example to check sports statistics during a game.

"We are witnessing a nation of citizen schedulers who are in control of their entertainment, allowing them to decide not only what they watch but exactly how and when they want to watch it,” said Karl Elliott, marketing director for Motorola’s connected home solutions division.