Connected TV sets that run apps and connect to the web are starting to get a grip on the publics imagination. And a new study by DisplaySearch shows that the number of units shipped per year worldwide, will rise from the current 40 million for 2010, to a massive 123 million in the year 2014.

It will not be the usual US and Europe that drive the growth, as it seems that new and emerging markets will grow fast. For example, the Eastern European market was 2.5 million connected tv’s in 2010, but will rise to 10 million plus for 2014.

The Chinese market will also be keen for connected with internet enabled TV, due to the adoption of internet connectivity before digital. This makes internet connected TV almost the only option, and will mean connected TV accounting for 33% of the China market by 2013.

In a statement, Paul Gray, DisplaySearch director of TV electronics said:- “The connected TV market is developing beyond mature regions like Western Europe and Japan. With some emerging countries having excellent broadband infrastructure, the adoption of connected TV capabilities is a natural next step in TV feature innovation.”

Connected TV not only allows streaming straight to the traditional TV set but also the integration of TV apps such as Facebook, Twitter amongst thousands of others. The importance of apps cannot be underestimated as Samsung reported in January they had reached the 2 million apps downloaded mark.

In the future, DisplaySearch say that the connected TV market will fragment as some users choose a passive TV with just video on demand features. While others will want more action such as configurable apps, sophisticated search and navigation engines, and advanced user interfaces.

Paul Gray added:- “Smart TVs are adding to what is already a fast-moving and fiercely competitive battleground, with competition appearing in all directions, including mobile PC devices such as tablets and increasingly powerful set top boxes with services accessible anytime, anywhere.”

So make sure your next TV is connected or it will be out of date as soon as it’s out of the box.

Latest TV searches:

connected tv sales, Europe satellite TV growth, internet connected tv growth, internet connected tv market size, smart tv market growth and trend

Related News:

1. Samsung Report Two Million Apps Downloaded To Connected TV
2. 40 million Internet Connected Televisions Will Rollout In 2010
3. Report – IPTV Subscribers Worldwide To Exceed 110 Million By 2014
4. Samsung Connected TV Apps Hit Million Downloads
5. 46% Of All Television Sets Shipped In 2013 Will Be Internet Connected