arket research firm In-Stat has predicted in its latest report that video content services will be the leading premium subscription service on the internet. According to the study, non-adult video content delivered by subscription or pay-per-download will have a worldwide retail value of US $ 2.6 billion by 2009.

In-Stat analyst Gerry Kaufhold said, "The video desires of most consumers will continue to be served by free-to-air broadcast TV, and by pay TV services like Cable TV and Satellite. But a thriving premium video market will develop over the internet. Really Simple Syndication (RSS), audio podcasting, and upcoming video podcasting initiatives will certainly drive demand for lots more video on the Internet. Apple's announcement that brings ABC's Desperate Housewives onto Apple's iTunes service marks a major turning point for video over the Internet."... more