Smart TV sales to hit £2.5bn as internet connected TV’s take-off
A key milestone in the evolution of the humble television set was reached today with publication of new research indicating that over half (55%) of UK citizens have connected their tellies to the internet via their computers.
Compiled by YouGov the study is seen as heralding the arrival of Smart TV’s that connect directly to the internet without the need for a separate connecting device.
Fully one in ten (11%) of those polled stated their intent to purchase one of this new breed of screens, with most willing to shell out around £440 for a 32 inch HD Smart TV.
This could generate sales in excess of £2.5bn if this intent translates into actual purchases.
YouGov media consulting director Dan Brilot said: “The good news for Smart TV manufacturers is that there is a huge appetite for accessing internet services on TV sets, whether that be on demand TV, radio, news apps, or video calling services like Skype.
“The bad news is that there are a lot of competing technologies out there that can be confusing to the consumer. However, our research indicates that the Smart TV industry is starting to do a better job at communicating why their ‘cutting out the middleman’ device is the best choice in such a fractured market.”