BY 2015, THERE WILL BE one billion web-enabled, stationary CE devices in operation worldwide, says market research firm In-Stat.
“Smart TVs" and Blu-ray players (that support online apps) will constitute over 50% of all web-enabled CE device shipments worldwide in 2015,” says Keith Nissen, principal analyst. “North America and Europe will remain the primary regional markets for web-enabled, stationary CE devices. Over the next five years, both the North American and European markets will exhibit a 23% CAGR and will account for nearly 70% of the global market.”
Other findings include:
• The popularity of over-the-top (OTT) video is creating interest in enhancing the IP video capabilities of cable, satellite, and IPTV set top boxes (STBs). This is creating a growing market for hybrid STBs.
• The vast majority of Blu-ray disc players and recorders shipped will be both network-enabled and web-enabled devices.
• The Asia/Pacific region will favor mobile CE devices over stationary devices but will still show a 20% CAGR in web-enabled stationary devices over the forecast period.
• Yahoo! Widgets is the major TV app platform in the industry, though Sony, Samsung, and others have developed their own proprietary platforms. Look for Google TV’s App Store and the Apple TV Apps store to shake things up.
