Smart TV sales growing slowly, says YouGov

LG smart TV

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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Andy Clough

Andy is Global Brand Director of What Hi-Fi? and has been a technology journalist for 30 years. During that time he has covered everything from VHS and Betamax, MiniDisc and DCC to CDi, Laserdisc and 3D TV, and any number of other formats that have come and gone. He loves nothing better than a good old format war. Andy edited several hi-fi and home cinema magazines before relaunching whathifi.com in 2008 and helping turn it into the global success it is today. When not listening to music or watching TV, he spends far too much of his time reading about cars he can't afford to buy.