54% of TVs shipped worldwide will be connectable by 2015

In 2011, more than 27% of TVs shipped worldwide will be able to connect to a network, a figure that is expected to rise 54% to 155 million by 2015, according to the Q311 DisplaySearch Quarterly TV Design and Features Report.

“The products shown at IFA Berlin this September demonstrate how networking is becoming a core feature of TVs,” said Paul Gray, DisplaySearch Director of TV Electronics Research.

“The idea of TVs and companion screens is a powerful value proposition, both for selling smart phones and tablets that communicate with the TV, but also for mobile services to be enjoyed on the best screen.”

DisplaySearch Connected TV Penetration Forecast

Networking is emerging as an important new function within TVs with consumer research suggesting that the connection rate of TVs doubles when they have a wireless networking capability.

TV manufacturers are responding and analysis of product ranges shown at IFA Berlin reveals how far wireless is filling product ranges.

“Consumer wishes are very clear – no new wires,” said Gray. “The incorporation of wireless allows more than just networking, with powerful ad-hoc functions such as transfer of photos and video from a smart phone to a TV using Wireless Direct, or a program guide to be navigated without interrupting viewing.”

Penetration of Wireless in TV Product Ranges (% of European Models)