The First Comprehensive Source for Home Video Sales Information and Insights

NPD’s new home video tracking service, VideoWatch, provides the most comprehensive view of the U.S. home video market. Each week, VideoWatch collects detailed information about the home video rental and purchase habits of America’s consumers. VideoWatch tracks rentals and sales at traditional outlets, as well as emerging distribution channels such as rental subscription and Pay Per View/Video on Demand.

VideoWatch provides access to detailed competitive information for the retailers across the gamut of shopping channels, from mass-market retailers like Wal*Mart to specialty video stores like Blockbuster. Competitive pricing information is compiled for all legitimate film genres and titles and includes videos from all production and distribution companies, including the major studios, Universal Home Video, Warner Home Video, MGM, Fox, Sony, Disney and Paramount.

“What makes VideoWatch so compelling is the wealth of information about the home video marketplace, and we believe it will be the benchmark for consumer information about specific video titles, retailers and genres,” said Russ Crupnick, president, NPD Music & Movies. “VideoWatch provides precise and detailed profiles of who is buying or renting videos, where they shop, what they pay and what motivates them to buy. Studios and retailers can monitor their existing consumer franchise or get detailed competitive information. For example, we can examine top sellers based on demographics.”

“The example below shows that certain videos, such as ‘Matrix’ and ‘Lord of the Rings’ reach wider audiences. The younger market was clearly more attracted to thrillers and action films, such as ‘Kill Bill’ and ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre.’ As we move into a family age segment, the action gets traded for films such as ‘Cheaper by the Dozen,’” Crupnick said.

VideoWatch information is delivered to subscribers monthly with available historical data from October 2003. VideoWatch allows businesses to track sales and market share, develop precise consumer profiles, and understand potential target markets. The service collects ongoing video acquisition information from an average of 3,000 video buyers and renters each week. The information is balanced and projected to represent the U.S. population, aged 18 and older.

For more information about NPD’s new VideoWatch service, contact Gabe McElwaine at 516-625-7407 or e-mail gabe_mcelwaine@npd.com.