Global boom in Internet TV sales means 100+ million sold by 2014

The 3D TV craze may not be spreading as quickly as content providers and hardware manufacturers would like, but according to a new report the global consumption of similarly high-brow web-connected TVs have not been met with buyer apathy. And surprisingly, it's not the U.S. leading the charge into the realm of internet couch surfing.

Source: DisplaySearch

DisplaySearch, an offshoot of The NPD Group, released a new study this week that forecasts a bright future for web-ready TVs.

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Over 123 million sets boasting minimal to comprehensive web interoperability will be shipped by 2014, says the research group. Moreover, demand in countries within Latin America and Eastern Europe will lead global adoption -- the latter boasting a predicted increase of around 7.5 million shipped units over the next three years. DisplaySearch also believes China will see a 33% increase in web-capable TVs sold in 2013.

Citing strong broadband penetration and infrastructure within the regions, the analyst feels internet-enabled TV is the next full-fledged evolution for the product.

"The connected TV market is developing beyond mature regions like Western Europe and Japan," said the group's Director of TV Electronics Paul Gray. "With some emerging countries having excellent broadband infrastructure, the adoption of connected TV capabilities is a natural next step in TV feature innovation."

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As with most widespread consumer electronics success, the expected sales explosion will lead to something other than companies counting cash: a "fragmented" market.

While the report doesn't conclude one way or the other if this will stymie or help the relatively nascent platform in the long run, Gray believes the possibilities inherent with Smart TVs should at least produce healthy competition -- even against other smartphones and tablets.

"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," Gray said. (Via Home Media Magazine)

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Already searching the web via a Smart TV? Or are you waiting for prices to come down a bit? Let us know in the comment section.

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