For years, cable and satellite TV service providers have used the DVR as a major competitive advantage. But, today, streaming services are changing the playing field. To the dismay of TV service providers, channels, and their advertisers, a huge number of customers are cutting the TV cord and turning to Amazon, Netflix, and other streaming subscriptions for their content — aided by smart TV sets as well as plug-in devices that can allow people to stream video content on their sets.
It may be hard to believe, given the dominance of the DVR just a few years ago, but today, slightly more U.S. households (and growing) have access to Netflix than to a DVR — according to Leichtman Research Group. The Leichtman study findings are summarized in the following Statista chart.
