Smart TV shipments grow 55% in 2013

LG Smart TV

Global shipments of smart TVs grew by 55% year-on-year in 2013, reaching 76 million units, according to Strategy Analytics. 

The research firm said that during the year, smart TVs accounted for 33% of total flat panel TV shipments.

Western Europe led the smart TV market with almost 45% of flat panel TVs shipped there in 2013 web-connected models.

Globally, Strategy Analytics predicted that 44% of flat panel TVs shipped in 2014 will be smart TVs, with this penetration rate set to rise to 73% by 2017.

However, the research group warned that vendors must continue to add “compelling applications and services” to encourage viewers to use the web capabilities of the TVs, as only about 50% of smart TV owners across the US and major European markets currently use their TVs’ internet capabilities.

“Smart TVs are steadily moving mainstream and are integrating into a multi-platform offering alongside smartphones, tablets and PCs. Manufacturers will do well to focus their efforts on enabling better communication and sharing with second screen devices,” said David Watkins, director of Strategy Analytics’ connected home devices service.