Connected TVs shipments surge, with forecasted growth to 119 million in 2014

SANTA CLARA, USA: The TV market is entering a new phase, as connected TVs hit the mainstream. According to the latest DisplaySearch Quarterly TV Design and Features Report, Internet connectivity has emerged as a key feature in TVs this year.

The report, which surveyed 2010 product ranges from leading brands, notes that 55 percent of TV models available across Japan, North America, Europe, China and India have Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) capability. Overall, this is expected to translate to over 45 million connected TV sets, 19 percent of flat panel TV shipments in 2010.

DisplaySearch forecasts the connected segment to reach 119 million units in 2014, accounting for 42 percent of all TVs shipped worldwide.

“We have seen DLNA as a solution in search of a problem for a long while, but with the surge in media streaming, the technology has found its place—creating business opportunities for TV set makers, broadcasters and retailers,” said Paul Gray, Director of TV Electronics Research.

“The Internet video battleground will take place in the living room, with all facets of the TV supply chain trying to stake claims. As a result, the competition is creating attractive new viewing choices for consumers, which underpins the value of the TV’s network connection.”

Fig. 1: DisplaySearch Connected TV Forecast (2009-2014)Source: Quarterly TV Design and Features Report.

DisplaySearch research also covers the progress made in the development of energy efficient TVs, as well as enabling technologies such as LED backlights, which are forecast to be in over 80 percent of LCD TVs shipped in 2014.

The report also provides an analysis of the latest energy regulations. “The 2013 California Energy Commission standard was seen as ambitious even last year; but some sets use only half the power necessary for compliance, a direct result of the shift in technology and increased design focus on energy,” Gray noted.

Source: DisplaySearch.