More users watching paid video on mobiles

Watching paid video content on mobile devices like tablet computers and smartphones is increasing, a U.S. survey indicates. Twenty-nine percent of consumers asked say they watch paid content on a handheld device, while viewing on laptop/desktop computers has declined to 39 percent from 48 percent in 2011, J.D. Power and Associates Reports said in a release Thursday. The report found tablets are the most popular mobile devices, with 18 percent of consumers using them for viewing paid video content, while mobile phone usage isn't far behind at 16 percent, a J.D. Power and Associates said. Gaming consoles remain the overall leader when looking at all digital devices for viewing video -- 6.3 hours per week, compared with 5.3 hours on a laptop/desktop, 4.9 hours on a wireless phone, 4.5 hours on a music player and 4.4 hours on a tablet, the survey results indicate. Still, gaming console viewing has yet to match traditional TV viewing, Frank Perazzini, director of telecommunications at J.D. Power and Associates, said. "These findings illustrate that while customers appreciate the convenience and value that gaming consoles provide, the TV screen is still a preferred viewing media," he said. The study was based on responses from 4,097 U.S. households in April that evaluated video service providers.