Americans still prefer their physical movie discs over internet streaming, a recent study by the NPD Group shows. 38 % of movie rentals were based on internet streaming solutions, with subscription streaming such as Netflix taking up the largest share.

DVD & Blu-ray vs. internet streaming
NPD has released their latest VideoWatch report based on the US movie rental market in first half of 2012. The report shows that DVD and Blu-ray discs are still preferred amongst the movie rental audience.


DVD and Blu-ray rentals are still preferred over internet streaming – but not for long

Physical DVD and Blu-ray discs made up 62 % of the movie rental market. Internet streaming services accounted for 38 % percent, with subscription streaming services such as Netflix taking up the largest share.

However, the physical disc rental market is declining fast. Compared to the first half of 2011, the physical disc rental market has declined 17 %. Internet streaming movie rentals increased by 5 %.

NPD also says that 80 % of Netflix’s rental activity was for TV shows – and not movies. However, Netflix is still the leader in movie rentals for the streaming segment with 66 %. If both movie and TV show activity is accounted for the streaming market has already surpasses the physical disc market.

What about you? How do you prefer to rent or watch your movies?

- Source: NPD