Majority of sets to be connected TVs by 2015

In keeping with CES 2012 as the connected TV show, research from Futuresource Consulting has found that connected TV penetration will climb from its present rate of 27% of units shipped to 80% by 2015. The analyst believes that as demand for connected TVs gains momentum, major TV manufacturers are responding by making IP connectivity a standard feature with embedded Wi-Fi also expected to drive usage moving forwards. The company says that many premium models now incorporate this feature enabling consumers to connect and use with ease. Looking at where connected TV hotspots are, Futuresource rates Japan as the regional leader with 59% of shipments in 2011 integrating IP connectivity as standard. Penetration in the USA and China hit 29%, with Europe surprisingly lagging on 24% of TV sales being connected. Looking forward, Brazil and India, are said to be witnessing 40% and 86% growth respectively, and seem set to be driving the global consumer TV industry. Futuresource sees market development as primarily driven by LED TV shipments, accounting for 90% of units to be shipped globally by 2015. Other technologies including LCD, PDP and CRT are expected to decline throughout the forecast period, while OLED is expected to gain traction in TV development by 2015. The analyst notes that Samsung and LG are already showcasing this technology with launches anticipated in 2012.