6 Million Americans Will Dump Cable for Netflix, Hulu Plus This Year [REPORT]

netflix envelope by shardayyy

As online video streaming services like Netflix gain steam, cable and satellite TV seem to be going out of style. According to a report released by Convergence Consulting Group this month, about 6% of U.S. television households will watch television content exclusively through online platforms like Netflix, Hulu Plus and Amazon Instant video by the end of this year, writes Matthew Keys.

This means about 6 million U.S. households will dump cable and satellite TV for online streaming, up from 5 million at the end of 2012 and just over 2 million in 2007, according Nielson. These households no access television programming through traditional channels; instead, they use the internet-connected televisions, smartphones, tablets and mobile PCs to watch television programming.

Free Network Streaming

Convergence notes that while many television networks offer full episodes of their programming online for free the day after they air, most viewers fail to take advantage of this. Less than 20% of American viewers watch two to three TV episodes directly from broadcasters’ websites, and that number isn’t increasing. Convergence attributes this to the growth of Netflix and other streaming services that offer one-stop shops for all users’ viewing needs, from any device.

The Demise of Brick-and-Mortar DVD Stores

The growth of online streaming subscriptions isn’t only affecting cable and satellite TV providers. It’s also causing sales and rentals through brick-and-mortar DVD stores to plummet. Just 11% of movie purchases and rentals in 2013 happened in physical stores, compared to 35% through online subscriptions. By the end of this year brick-and-mortal sales and rentals are predicted to fall to 8%, while online subscriptions will account for 41% of sales and rentals. This is why it’s no surprise that Blockbuster has closed the doors of its remaining stores for good and canceled its DVD by mail service, focusing on online streaming instead.

 
Have you cut your cable cord yet?

Featured image by Shardayyy

Lauren Mobertz

By Lauren Mobertz

Lauren is the former managing editor for DashBurst. One part geek, one part urban nomad, she is constantly scouting for the latest tech and world news. In the evenings you'll find Lauren running in strange places or attempting to dance salsa.

1 comment

  1. Oh yeah…we are soooo addicted to our Roku and have access to a gazillon channels and movies, a little more than half are free!

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