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New Consumer Research Confirms Cable TV Viewers Want Choice and Simplicity for Viewing OTT Content
[July 27, 2016]

New Consumer Research Confirms Cable TV Viewers Want Choice and Simplicity for Viewing OTT Content


New qualitative consumer research, conducted by Evolution Digital, shows that pay-TV subscribers are eager for a new way to have access to both traditional cable TV channels and popular OTT services, and want cable set-top box technology to simplify their searching and viewing experiences. The research also confirmed cable subscribers are frustrated with set-top box rental fees and being forced into programming packages that include channels they have no interest in.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160727005054/en/

eBOX, powered by TiVo, user interface (Photo: Business Wire)

eBOX, powered by TiVo (News - Alert), user interface (Photo: Business Wire)

The proprietary research was conducted to gauge reaction to Evolution Digital's new eBOX™ IP Hybrid Set-Top Box (News - Alert) that seamlessly integrates linear cable channels with OTT services, as well as provides universal search capability across all content through a simple user interface developed by TiVo. Evolution Digital hosted four focus groups in Des Moines, Iowa and Cleveland testing both cable subscribers and former subscribers (cord cutters) to gain insight into various pay-TV concepts and trends.

Searching TV Shows

Both cable subscribers and cord cutters reported frustrations with search functionality for TV shows and movies on cable services using legacy set-top boxes. Most respondents reported that they spend a lot of time with current equipment attempting to find content they want to watch. Respondents also emphasized that this issue is important and valuable for cable operators to pay attention to related to retaining current customers.

Consumers cited that OTT services do a better job of organizing content and providing recommendations for programs that they may want to watch. But they often get lost in trying to find something to watch due to the large amount of content and will often switch back to cable to more easily flip through channels.

Focus group participants reacted favorably to the universal search caability on Evolution Digital's eBOX, powered by TiVo, which allows viewers to seamlessly search programs across live, traditional cable TV channels and OTT services. Consumers noted that one of the biggest advantages of eBOX is that the device lists all locations a particular show is available and lets the viewer determine which service to watch, making binge-watching and catch-up viewing easier than ever.



Switching Inputs and Remotes

Most cable subscribers today access OTT services from multiple third-party devices connected to their primary household television. Viewers expressed frustration that they must switch TV inputs and remotes in order to access streaming services from their televisions. This was most notable in viewers ages 40 or older.


Respondents cited this as a major and important hurdle for cable companies to overcome and expressed strong interest in having a single set-top box that integrates major OTT streaming services with traditional cable channels with one connection to the TV and one user-friendly remote control.

Evolution Digital's eBOX, powered by TiVo, was well-received by the focus groups as an easy-to-use platform with the ability to switch content providers (i.e. cable, Netflix and Hulu (News - Alert)), without having to change input sources and remotes. Additionally, the streamlined remote was considered ergonomic, small and lightweight with clearly identified buttons to avoid confusion.

Set-Top Box Pricing

One of the largest overall complaints from all respondents was the cost associated with leasing a set-top box. Notably, 78% of cord cutters stated they would consider returning to cable if they could purchase the new eBOX outright, rather than having a monthly fee. The group of cord cutters also expressed interest in returning to cable if they could customize a "skinny bundle" of programming services and have access to OTT services available through eBOX.

"The results of the research validated our assumptions we used to develop eBOX and confirmed that cable subscribers want an easy and simple way to enjoy their favorite content," said Tom Bracken, Evolution Digital's vice president of marketing. "These consumer research findings affirm that Evolution Digital's forward-looking technologies provide cable operators the tools to retain subscribers and recapture cord cutters. With increasing competition from OTT services, the cable industry needs to stay abreast of consumer desires and respond by providing new equipment and business models. We will continue to be a leading resource for operators to embrace change, transition to IP distribution and deliver a better experience for their customers."

About Evolution Digital

Evolution Digital L.L.C. is a leading provider of integrated IP Hybrid devices and IP Video solutions for the global cable industry. Evolution Digital takes an aggressive approach to product innovation to embrace the way viewers are consuming video. It has quickly become an innovator in the era of OTT content and multi-stream households. Through its 2015 acquisition of i-Velozity, Evolution Digital's eVUE-TV delivers thousands of hours of top-rated Video on Demand, live and DVR content ranging from new releases to the most popular TV shows and movies available on cable TV networks, all on one platform. Evolution Digital provides integrated and managed content delivery across all mobile devices in the home, includes smart phones and tablets, subject to the operator's licensing agreements. Visit www.evolutiondigital.com.

Follow Evolution Digital on Twitter (News - Alert): http://www.twitter.com/EvolutionDig and visit our blog.


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