Connected TVs Account for 21% of Global TV Sales in 2010: DisplaySearch

Taipei, Jan. 7, 2011 (CENS)--About 21% of all TVs shipped in 2010 were believed to have internet connectivity, according to DisplaySearch, which predicts that sales of internet-connected TVs will grow to over 122 million units in 2014.

Growth of connected TVs was fueled by the Japanese market in 2010 with strong market growth driven by the Eco Points system, and very high penetration of connected TVs, driven by domestic brands' strategies and by high levels of broadband access. Emerging markets would play a key role in the future growth of this segment, with Eastern Europe forecast to grow from 2.5 million connected TVs shipped in 2010 to over 10 million in 2014, DisplaySearch said. The company's findings also suggested that 12% of flat panel TVs sold in China in 2010 had internet capability.

DisplaySearch said it is expected that the connected TV market would diverge, with basic sets carrying enhanced broadcast services such as Hbb.TV and YouView, while the Smart TV segment will enjoy configurable applications, sophisticated search and navigation engines, and advanced user interfaces.

Smart TVs are not limited to a specific operating system, and Linux (MeeGo) and Android (Google TV) platforms will be joined by others. Google is working with Sony and Logitech for the launch of Google TV, but expect many more entrants in 2011.

Smart TVs mostly have a few key features such as capable of upgrades and changes to functionality by the consumer, typically by loading applications; able to receive content from the open internet, not just within a “walled garden” defined by a portal; possesses an advanced user interface or content discovery engine, to permit rapid discovery and selection of content to watch (but not via a browser and typed search terms as in PCs); and able to communicate with other networked devices in the home via open standards (e.g. DLNA, or Digital Living Network Alliance).