The in-home media market has continued to undergo transformation over the past few years, with consumers now having more choice than ever before. Increased penetration of multichannel TV – now in 88% of households – along with personal video recorders (PVRs) have given people greater control over their viewing schedules, while the internet offers a range of alternative leisure activities and fresh ways of interacting with more traditional media such as music and video.

By the end of 2008, just over three quarters of UK adults owned a computer, while seven in ten had home internet. Increased affluence, however transient, and falling prices for consumer electronics mean that TV sets have got bigger and better over the past four years, while DVD recorders, digital radios, MP3 players and other gadgets have become increasingly common – enhancing the media experience. While the current economic climate may curtail spending, certain consumers will be looking out for some bargains as media technology comes down in price and will clearly want to maintain their high-tech lifestyles.

This report looks at in-home media consumption during a period when many consumers will be spending more leisure time at home to save money. Covering a range of in-home media – in particular TV, radio, pre-recorded music, pre-recorded video/DVDs and the internet – it asks: “given the range of choice now on offer, how do people divide their time?”

Main report issues

How often do people consume different types of media at home?

What will the recession mean for existing media over new technology?

Are people abandoning more expensive out-of-home leisure activities in favour of staying in?

How does online consumption compete with the living room?

Are people putting off purchases in the present economic climate?