WebProNews

More than a third (38%) of households in the U.S with Internet access subscribe to premium entertainment services for DVD delivery, music downloads, and/or gaming downloads, according to a survey from the NPD Group.

In comparison, 55 percent subscribe to newspapers or magazines, and 80 percent subscribe to premium television services such as cable, satellite or fiber optic.

Russ Crupnick
NPD Group

"Despite the recession, there are dedicated consumers who remain committed to premium entertainment experiences," said Russ Crupnick, entertainment industry analyst for The NPD Group.

"For just a few dollars a month consumers can get a vastly expanded library of movies, music or gaming options; and that represents real value, especially as many consumers are economizing by spending more time at home."

NPD's "Entertainment Trends in America" tracking surveys found that 18 percent of Web-enabled households currently subscribe to a premium DVD service, such as Blockbuster Online or Netflix; 6 percent subscribe to an online music service, like Rhapsody or eMusic; 12 percent subscribe to satellite radio; and 12 percent subscribe to a premium gaming service, such as Xbox Live.

"These services have been reporting aggressive subscriber growth in the face of economic stress," said Crupnick.

"Entertainment companies need to keep an eye on whether subscriptions begin to cannibalize purchases of packaged media, or if there are additional declines in moviegoing and other away-from-home entertainment."