China Internet Conference 2011

Latest statistics show that there are currently more than 300 million network video users in China. The number accounts for over 62% of the internet users in the country. These days more people turn to the internet for video, but does it mean that people are turning away from traditional TV programs and movie theaters? At the China Internet Conference 2011, some insiders say "definitely not", and that networked video and traditional TV programs can compete with each other while helping each other to grow.

Wei Ming, a Senior VP of Operations with Youku, one of China's largest online video providers, says Youku currently provides online video content for about 280 million online video users every month.

"And these users like watching dramas or soap operas the most, and then films and entertainment programs, as well as videos uploaded from internet users and content created by Youku."

Chairman Zhang Lijun of Vodone Group Limited says that compared to TV, the internet has a wider audience, and it's more convenient for users to find what they want to see.

"Especially with more online videos becoming available on the internet, users can now watch them whenever they have time. And online videos are becoming available via more and more channels."

As the number of online video users has been increasing, many people are asking the question: will it replace TV one day in the future? Zhang Lijun gives his thoughts.

"Actually when online videos began to become popular several years ago, many insiders and analysts said online video would topple TV programs within five years. But clearly, this hasn't happened."

In regards to this, Wei Ming agrees. He says that five years have passed, but the number of TV followers hasn't dropped and has instead been increasing.

"The internet is more like a magnifier, it makes good content better, and bad content worse, it makes good content outstanding and bad content disappear."

When it comes to the future of online video development, both insiders say that online video won't replace TV outright. There will be competition between them, meanwhile, collaboration also exists. Here is Wei Ming again.

"In the future, I believe TV and online video will converge on each other, and develop shoulder to shoulder. Some good content delivered by TV will lay a sound foundation for playback on the internet, and the play back on the internet will increase the effect of broadcasting it on TV again."

Many insiders say that there will be a great revolution in the internet field within the next ten years, and the one who leads the trend will obtain the first advantage in the market.

For CRI, I am Zhang Wan.