Having a chatty partner, answering work emails in your down time and looking through social media are some of the biggest distractions for Brits trying to enjoy a TV show or movie, according to new research by Virgin Media O2. These distractions mean Brits take longer to watch a show or film than the suggested runtime, spending three and a half days each year rewinding and rewatching content to catch something they may have missed the first time around thanks to a distraction.
The study, exploring the biggest distractions Brits face when they want to sit down to watch a TV show or film at home, found that searching for an actor or actress on IMDB to see what else they’ve starred in, getting something to eat or receiving an untimely phone call from a loved one all rank highly among the UK’s biggest distractions. Answering the call of nature, children asking questions and grabbing a drink mid-way through all featured prominently on the list too.
The study was commissioned by Virgin Media O2 to celebrate today’s launch of Virgin Media’s new flexible entertainment service, Stream, which seamlessly combines favourite TV channels with on-demand apps, popular streaming subscriptions and must watch movies to offer customers a convenient and personalised entertainment experience that works for them.
“We’re putting viewers first with our new flexible and personal entertainment service. With Stream our customers can enjoy the entertainment that matters most to them. We know how precious everyone’s time is and with all the distractions of modern life, we wanted to make it easier than ever for our customers to sit back, relax and enjoy the shows they love – all at great value. From a universal search function that helps viewers find the show or film they’re after, to flexible subscriptions so customers only pay for the content they actually want, Stream is more than a TV service, it’s the future of connected entertainment.”
David Bouchier, Chief TV and Entertainment Officer, Virgin Media O2
At a time of almost endless content choices spread across multiple services, the study of 2,000 adults, conducted via CensusWide, also showed that Brits spend an average of 36.5 hours – over a day and a half – each year choosing what to watch. From searching through lists of content (27%), deciding what genre best fits their mood (25%) and scrolling through new releases (17%), those aged 16-44 spend 50% more time as those aged over 55 deciding what to consume.
The research revealed that sitting down to enjoy content at home would be easier if Brits were in a quiet room with nobody talking (33%), they were presented with a list of recommendations based on their viewing habits (31%), and if all they could have all their streaming services and live TV in one place (25%), much how Stream brings together favourite entertainment subscriptions and free TV channels under one roof, with personalised recommendations to cut through the chaos of what to watch and where to find it.
Brits rated Line of Duty (24%) as the most engaging TV show of all time, while The Shawshank Redemption (21%) was voted the most compelling film ever. Those looking for a more flexible way to experience some of the most iconic movies and series ever can enjoy a host of live TV channels, apps, streaming services and movies all on Stream, with the ability to save 10% on their subscriptions when adding them to the service.
TOP 10 DISTRACTIONS FOR BRITS WHEN WATCHING A SERIES OR MOVIE
1. Checking social media (45%)
2. Messaging friends / family (31%)
3. Receiving a phone call (29%)
4. Getting something to eat (27%)
5. The call of nature (25%)
6. Getting a drink (23%)
7. Children asking questions (22%)
8. A partner asking questions (22%)
9. Family member / partner making too much noise while on the phone (18%)
10. Googling an actor to find out more about them / what else they’ve been in (18%)
At launch, Stream is available to both new and existing customers who take a Virgin Media broadband only or broadband and home phone package, offering a quick and easy entertainment add on that pairs perfectly with the company’s lightning-fast broadband – offering speeds up to 22x faster than the UK average. Fuss-free 30-day rolling contracts mean customers can add or remove subscriptions every month. From news channels to sport and kids TV, Stream provides a one-stop-shop so customers can easily select and swap the channels and streaming services that truly matter to them.
More information about Stream from Virgin Media is available here.
