Game of Thrones reigns online in Oz

Game of Thrones was the most popular TV title bought online in Australia last year, as well as the most widely pirated.

Data released today shows a strong correlation between TV shows downloaded legally and viewed illegally through file sharing in 2013.

The third series of the HBO show was the top-selling online title, according to the Australian Home Entertainment Distributors Association (AHEDA).

This year paynet Foxtel, whose showcase channel has first rights to the show, has stepped up its efforts to combat piracy by airing episodes two hours after the US.

The second and first series of Game of Thrones, the final season of Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead season three were the next biggest selling EST titles.

“What the data shows is that there is a strong legitimate market for quality television and film productions and people are willing to pay for it,” said AHEDA CEO Simon Bush.

“Unfortunately people are also too willing to pirate these same shows but it is pleasing that many Australians are doing the right thing and purchasing the content.

“We need to continue to convert more people to the many legitimate channels that now exist in the Australian market.”

Last year digital film and TV consumer revenues grew by 22.4% to A$143.6m (US$134.3m) EST accounted for A$71.2m while VoD racked up A$72.5m from 23.8 million units.

That compares with A$801.3m in revenues from physical sales and rentals, down 7% on 2012. The breakdown was A$661.8m for DVDs (off by 7%) and A$139.5m for Blu-ray (minus 4%).

The average EST price for feature films in 2013 dropped to A$17.07 from A$17.47 in 2012, whilst VoD films averaged A$5.36.

The price drop for EST films probably reflects cheaper catalogue product taking a greater share of that business.