Introduction Television plays a central role in consumers' lives. Consumers spend more than 7.5 hours per day watching television compared with an hour or less of online usage for connected PC homes.
Television brings entertainment and a glimpse into the outside world into consumers' living rooms.
While cable continues to grow at a steady pace, the satellite industry has seen explosive growth in the last several years. Currently, more than 11 million households are satellite customers, receiving television programming and content via satellite, with industry forecasts estimating an additional 6 million new receivers to be sold in 2000. This growth can be attributed to the tremendous wealth of programming choices offered to consumers by satellite, low-cost hardware and programming, and general dissatisfaction with cable TV service. In addition to the tremendous growth in the satellite industry, over 19 million VCRs were sold in 1998, further demonstrating consumers' passion for watching and recording TV shows, movies and special interest programs. In addition, the dramatic growth of the Internet has provided unique opportunities for both consumers and advertisers.