Driven by increased broadband penetration, declining price points, and a growing catalogue of online audio and video content, the market for MP3 players and portable media players (PMPs) will remain strong over the next five years, reports In-Stat. Nevertheless, according to In-Stat's latest primary research, the main reason consumers are purchasing portable MP3 players and video-capable PMPs today is for the devices' audio playback capability, the high-tech market research firm says.

"Only 11% of survey respondents say they will purchase a PMP primarily for its video playback function," says Stephanie Ethier, In-Stat analyst. "Still, the cost of incorporating video into portable devices continues to decline. As a result, In-Stat expects shipment growth of video-enabled PMPs to outpace that of audio-only MP3 players by the end of 2008."

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

• Worldwide unit shipments for audio-only MP3 players and PMPs combined will reach 275 million units in 2011, up from 182 million in 2006.
• Of the 2,408 respondents to In-Stat's latest survey of US consumers, 52% own an MP3 player or PMP.
• In-Stat does not expect music-enabled cell phone shipments to displace dedicated PMP/MP3 player shipments any time soon, but there is an opportunity for cell phone manufacturers to capture those consumers who are considering cheap, audio-only MP3 players.

The research, "Worldwide Demand Remains Strong For MP3 and Portable Media Players", covers the worldwide market for MP3 players and portable media players. It provides forecasts for PMP/MP3 player unit shipments and revenue through 2011. It also includes analysis of In-Stat's US consumer survey concerning PMP/MP3 players. Finally, 2006 vendor market shares are included. For more information on this research or to purchase it online, please visit: http://email.in-stat.com/cgi-bin4/DM/y/eBCLo0M3aZa0K560FELT0Ei