Report: Connected TV Shipments to Top 138M by 2015

5 Jul, 2011 By: Erik Gruenwedel

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Internet-connected TVs appear to be picking up steam with consumers after a sluggish start

Shipments of Internet-connected televisions — considered the next home entertainment frontier — are projected to reach 138 million units and nearly 50% of all flat-panel units globally by 2015, according to a new report.

Santa Clara, Calif.-based DisplaySearch said 25% of all flat-panel TVs shipped this year would be Web-enabled. This does not mean the TVs are mini-computers, but rather platforms that can incorporate select third-party apps for specific content, including movie downloads and streaming.

Principal growth regions include Western Europe, North America and China, followed by the Middle East and Japan.

“The adoption of connected TV is not just taking place in developed regions,” said Paul Gray, director of TV electronics research with DisplaySearch. “Emerging markets often have good broadband services, and there is a thirst from consumers to get the best content available.”

The data is noteworthy considering sales of connected TVs continue to challenge at retail, including at Best Buy — one of the largest CE chains in the country.

Indeed, in its most recent fiscal report, Best Buy cited smartphones and tablet computers — not connected TVs — as principal revenue drivers.
 

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