The final digital switchover in East Anglia has been completed. 

Nearly 50% of consumers are using another electronic device while watching TV at home, according to research from Futuresource Consulting.

The ‘Living with Digital’ consumer research study identified the most popular reasons for usage as combating boredom, needing something else to do and keeping in touch with friends.  Ten percent of respondents said it makes them feel part of the show.

‘Living with Digital’, which was carried out in the USA, UK, France and Germany with more than 2,600 respondents ranging from 12 to 65+ years of age, explores the ways in which consumers interact with and consume digital entertainment and compares behaviours with those of six months ago.

The study also shows that 57% of people are watching online video content, with nearly one in four using their smartphones.  Watching online video on a desktop PC is still the most common method, closely followed by laptop.

In all four countries surveyed, there has been a net increase in online video viewing over the last six months, with wider choice, more appealing content and being able to watch content at any time the key factors behind the shift.  However, more than 80% of respondents still do not pay for online video content; although nearly 40% of these said they could be persuaded in the future.  Among respondents that have paid for online content already, more than two in every three have paid for movies according to the study.