Smart TV sales growing slowly, says YouGov
Every TV manufacturer at CES 2012 made a big song and dance about their new smart, internet-enabled TVs. But it seems the UK public remains rather non-commital about this latest technical innovation.
According to YouGov, smart TV ownership (ie a TV connected to the internet) increased by just 1% between December and January.
And a YouGov survey in November 2011 found that while 1 in 10 people in the UK owned a smart TV, only 15% of consumers said they'd buy one in the next 12 months.
On the bright side, high-definition TV ownership grew by 4% from 55% to 59%.
Manufacturers must be hoping that smart TV sales in 2012 will be stimulated by key events such as the launch of Netflix and Google TV in the UK, as well as big sporting events like the Olympics.
YouGov's research also found that games consoles such as the PS3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii were the most popular way of accessing internet TV content, rather than directly through the television itself.
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Comments
No surprises there then when you consider the explosion in flatscreen sales in the last several years, given the current economic conditions I don't doubt most people are unwilling or unable to upgrade again so soon. Excluding those who were unfortunate enough to buy a widescreen CRT just before said explosion. -and thats exactly what it was, forget the tech companies, unless theres a gadget still to be invented I don't think I'll ever see mainstream take-up like it again in my lifetime.
That said I believe it will happen, aided by BT's FTTC rollout I think Smart TV Access will be device lead and in particular PVR's. Not all us refusnicks choose Freeview because its our only option.
Then theres the big studios, once they get fully involved that will change the game completely, I'm only guessing but 'hands-up' all those who bought Harry Potter over Christmas and lent it to family and friends once they'd watched it. A cinema, smart tv, dvd release maybe?