Smart TVs now 70% of global TV shipments, thanks to streaming, price cuts

NEW YORK – Digital voice assistants coupled with an increase in video streaming will help spur demand for smart TVs worldwide, says new data from research firm IHS Markit.The global unit-share of smart TVs rose from 45% of total TV shipments in 2015 to 64% percent in 2017, and is expected to reach 70% of all TV shipments in 2018. Global TV shipments are recovering this year, due to increased price erosion from declining LCD TV panel prices, with shipments rising 3.5% to 223 million units.“Global growth is expected in all regions this year, and positive annual unit growth is forecast...