March 4, 2010

TVs Not Connected to Internet en Masse

At last week's NCTC Winter Educational Conference in Long Beach, CA, a group of panelists discussed technology trends.

One big trend is that more devices are being connected to the Internet.

"What consumer electronics item is built without an IP connection these days?" asked tech editor Leslie Ellis.

According to Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) research presented by Deepak Joseph, director of technology and standards with CEA, in 2010 nearly 20 percent of TVs shipped will be Ethernet enabled and that will grow to more than 50 percent by 2013.

But while many people have hooked up their TVs to the Internet via game consoles, the majority of people have not connected their TVs into the Internet pipe, said Joseph. According to CEA research, 65 percent of consumers have not yet linked their TV to the Internet.

"The PC network is separate from the TV network," Joseph said, adding that people are not bothering to connect their TVs to the Internet, yet, because there aren't enough compelling apps.

Consumers are, however, browsing netbooks while they watch TV.
 
"It's the right form factor," said Joseph.

People are using netbooks the most in the same rooms where TVs are located, including the living room and bedrooms.

Following are CEA's list of fastest growing products in 2009 and forecast for 2010 based on estimated shipment units.

2009 Fastest Growing Products
Digital Cameras 11+ Megapixel - 908%
Ethernet-enabled TVs - 830%
HD Flash-based Camcorders - 460%
LED TVs - 350%
HTIB w/ Blu-ray - 329%

2010 Fastest Growing products
3DTV - 614%
LED Displays - 256%
OLED Displays 236%
Ethernet-enabled TV - 129%
e-Readers 127%

-Linda Hardesty