Audio Video News

Nearly Four in 10 (37%) of Internet-connected homes in the U.S. own a Roku streaming media player, according to new research from Dallas-based Parks Associates.

Noting that Roku’s share of the streaming media player market is up from 33 percent a year ago, Parks said Amazon with its Fire TV was the only other brand to increase its share during the same period. Fire TV’s share increased from 16 percent to 24 percent, putting it in the No. 2 spot behind Google’s Chromecast, which now holds an 18 percent share of the installed base. Apple TV accounts for 15 percent, which is down from last year.

“Roku emerged early as a U.S. market leader for streaming media players, and the company has held firmly to that position,” said Glenn Hower, senior analyst for Parks. “Higher-priced devices, such as the Apple TV, have not been able to keep up with low-priced and readily available Roku devices, which can be found at Walmart for as low as $29.99.”

One-third of internet-connected U.S. households now own a streaming media player and 45 percent own a smart TV, according to Parks.