Should Internet-Connected TVs Fear Extinction?

Phoebe Mandap | October 20th

We have witnessed how an ordinary TV set has evolved finding its way to suit and cater the demands in this time we call the PC era.  Given all the publicity and marketing strategies for this connected device, according to the panel at MediaTel Group’s Connected TV Experience, only a small number of people are actively looking for a connected functionality when buying or purchasing a new TV set.

“Consumers look at screen size, how good the TV looks and price when buying a new set, not necessarily the ability to connect to the internet,” LoveFilm’s Chris Bird (pictured) told delegates on day two of the event at RBS in London.

Statistically, about 12% of the consumers who purchased televisions only bought the Internet-enabled TV because it is the latest trend available in the market not because of connectivity feature, according to HMDG’s Greg Grimmer.  However, regardless of the reason in purchasing, Internet-enabled televisions are reaching households.  As a matter of fact, 4.6% of homes nowadays own connected TV according to Ofcom.  In the US, more than 10% of households with broadband Internet connection plans to buy a smart TV during the second half of this year, thus has been tempting more households to get hold of this device.

Silicon Angle