Connected TV devices reach 168 million in US

Ownership of connected TV devices in the US – including smart TVs, smart blu-ray players, IP-enabled games consoles and digital media streamers – grew 5% quarter-on-quarter in Q3 2014 to reach 168 million, according to new research from Strategy Analytics. The average US home now owns 1.9 connected TV devices compared to 1.5 a year ago.

Samsung dominates the US smart TV market with a 35% share of shipments during the third quarter, followed by Vizio, Sony and then LG.

Sony led the US IP games console market for the third consecutive quarter, capturing just under 50% of unit shipments in Q3, while Microsoft claims the largest installed base of all three console vendors with almost 30 million Xbox consoles in use in the US.

Apple slipped to third in the digital streamer market having led the market just 12 months previously, while Google’s Chromecast took the top spot with 26%, followed by Roku.

“Competition within the US Connected TV Device market is intensifying as device makers battle to be the gateway of choice for watching online videos on the TV screen,” said David Watkins, service director, connected home devices.

“Heavyweight brands Google and Amazon have shaken up the market and have created a huge surge in demand for low-cost media streaming dongles. These devices may not provide as sophisticated an experience as an integrated Smart TV but often provide a much faster and easier way for consumers to get access to their favourite online streaming service.”