Audio Video News

Since getting your DVR, have your DVD viewing habits changed? A new study from Knowledge Networks Inc. found that DVRs aren't cutting into TV watching — they're cutting into DVD watching.

The study, reported at The Canadian Press, found that 90% of people surveyed watched TV during prime time hours, though 19% have DVRs. "Increased DVR usage seems to come at the expense of watching purchased video," said David Tice, director of The Home Technology Monitor at Knowledge Networks, who noted that DVD sales have been falling for several years.

The study has more interesting results.

Tice said viewers are not as tied to broadcast programs or schedules as before. People want to be entertained, usually having just had dinner and before going to bed, and if they can't find anything on TV, they'll watch video on their DVRs and from other sources.

At any given hour, 8% of recorded content being viewed came from the DVR, up from 4% four years ago, the survey said. The rest of recorded content came from DVDs and video tapes.

I know that personally, I watch  content from my DVR significantly more than DVDs. I would be lost (cry hysterically, beg, plead, kick, scream) if I didn't have my TiVo, while I could take or leave my Blockbuster subscription. But, they didn't ask my opinion, now, did they? —Leslie Shapiro

The Canadian Press