Cloud Surfing: Your First-Class Guide to Streaming Media

CLOUD SURFING: YOUR FIRST-CLASS GUIDE TO STREAMING MEDIA Streaming services are quickly outpacing traditional media sales and are becoming the primary source of entertainment in households worldwide. With hundreds of streaming audio and video services available on television, computers and mobile devices, it is easy to get tangled in the web of features. While most options are similar in functionality, a few have some surprising shortcomings. VIDEO STREAMING Pro: Netflix suggestions are based on past viewing patterns. Pro: Best option to keep up with current TV shows. $7.99/mo for Unlimited Streaming $15.98/mo for Unlimited Streaming +1 DVD can be mailed out at a time Con: Still plays commercials. *Netflix HD is FREE with Subscription and available if your ISP Supports Netflix Open Connect $7.99/mo for Unlimited Streaming NETFLIX huluPLUS redbox instant TM amazon instant video Pro: Lets you pick up DVDS from a local kiosk. Pro: Can stream or download for future viewing. As part of an Amazon.com site package, the service comes with free 2-day shipping on products. $5.99/mo for Unlimited Streaming $7.99/mo for Unlimited Streaming 4 DVDS per month from Redbox Kio sk $79/yr for Unlimited Streaming+ 2-day shipping U.S. MOVIE FORECAST PHYSICAL MEDIA vs. ONLINE 6.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 1Online - Physical Media WHICH SERVICES DO PEOPLE USE MOST 4.09 6.82 Video on Demand 6.96 Theaters 10.93 Premium (HBO, STARZ, etc.) 57.44 DVDS ● Streaming 13.76 Television PERCENT OF TIME SPENT WATCHING AUDIO STREAMING Pro: Early album launches. Con: Strict streaming limitations for users outside of the US. $4.99/mo for Unlimited Streaming $9.99/mo for Unlimited Streaming Mobile device access + Download Music & Listen Offline Pro: Access to ABC News and ESPN Radio. Spotify Pro: Most well-integrated social network options. $3.99/mo for Unlimited Streaming $3.00/mo for Unlimited Streaming $9.99/mo for Unlimited Streaming+ On-Demand Single Artist Stations+ Custom Playlists last.fm SLACKER PANDORA Grooveshark Pro: One of the best music discovery features. Pro: No ads on free subscription. $9.00/mo or $90/yr for Unlimited Streaming Con: You are only allowed to skip 6 songs per hour per station, even when subscribed. $3.99/mo or $36/yr for Daily Skip Removal and Higher Quality Audio WHERE DO PEOPLE LISTEN MOST НОМE WORK DEVICES 41% AM/EM RADIO 19% 410% TABLET 18% 44% MOBILE 27% 77 % COMPUTER 53% * While the majority of users listen to both standard and online radio more at home, office workers are increasingly tuning in from their workstations. LISTENING BEHAVIOR HOUSEHOLD LISTENING 80% 65% 40% 42% Listen for 1-3 hours per day Listen for 1-2 hours per session Internet Radio Broadcast Radio SOURCES: CLOUD STORAGE http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/gadgetbox/best-streaming-music-services-how-pick-one-120960 http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2380776,00.asp http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/6-streaming-media-services-compared/ http://techcrunch.com/2013/01/06/hands-on-redbox-instant-by-verizon/ http://www.targetspot.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/TargetSpot-Digital-Audio-Benchmark-and-Trend-Study_2012-White-Paper-copy.pdf http://www.isuppli.com/Media-Research/News/Pages/US-Audiences-to-Pay-More-for-Online-Movies-in-2012-than-for-Physical-Videos.aspx FINDER