A new study from Ipsos research firm says that one in five Americans ages 12 and up now owns a portable MP3 player, a new statistical high. Also, one in 20 Americans in that age group now owns more than one portable music player. There is also increased interest among younger consumers in watching video on their players, but even more interest in their players doubling as a radio.

Last year's Ipsos TEMPO study showed that only 15 percent of Americans 12+ owned MP3 players, which this year's numbers put it at 20 percent. This is almost double the numbers from April 2003, when it was 11 percent. Six percent of Americans 12+ now own more than one player.

Looking at specific demographics, 54 percent of teens and 30 percent of 18-34 year-olds own a MP3 player. More males (24 percent) than females (16 percent) are MP3 player owners. Though 48 percent of music downloaders own a device, users' CD collections are still the main source of music for their players.

Almost a quarter of those surveyed have video-capable MP3 players, with over a third of 12-24 year-olds interested in watching videos on their devices, including 39 percent into music videos. However, the ability to use their MP3 player as a radio is even more popular an option, with 46 percent interested in being able to listen to FM radio on their device. Also, 39 percent were interested in the ability to listen to satellite radio on their player. Among 25-54 year-olds, radio interest was also an attractive feature.

Ipsos VP Matt Kleinschmit says, “What is perhaps most interesting about this is that experienced portable device owners are now buying new players with a level of usage and storage capacity knowledge unseen just a few years ago. Understanding how these unique buyers are adapting specific players to different usage activities and locations will provide manufacturers and content providers alike with a compelling perspective on where the increasingly important portable media category may be heading.”