Smart TVs Projected for Big Growth

Shipments of Web-enabled televisions known as smart TVs are expected to grow about 36 percent over the next five years, a new study finds.

A report from research firm In-Stat found that interest in smart TVs that include built-in apps – such as Netflix and YouTube – are growing at a rapid pace. About 22 percent of U.S. households with broadband connections have HDTVs with built-in applications and 60 percent of that group accesses these apps at least once a week.

"As expected, Netflix and YouTube currently dominate the TV application space," said Keith Nissen, research director at In-Stat. “But as Netflix competitors become more numerous and as applications are optimized for the big screen, TV apps will become part of the mainstream TV viewing experience."

Meanwhile, more consumers are paying for both cable television and online video services than in the past, up 12 percent during 2010 to 30 percent of smart TV users .

Reach TechNewsDaily senior writer Samantha Murphy at smurphy@techmedianetwork.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Follow her on Twitter @SamMurphy_TMN

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