Connected TV market to hit 76% by 2015

While their presence was more subtle than 3DTV and not as in-your-face as non-iPad tablets, connected consumer electronics devices were more diverse and pervasive at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, with every major manufacturer showing off new electronics that have their own built-in apps and can access content from the Internet.

With devices that incorporated complete Internet browsers, HDTVs that offered hundreds of applications, even set-tops that turned current HDTVs into a completely connected device, the theme of combining the home theater set-up with a PC experience was everywhere.

“We’re starting to see some real trends develop here,” said Kurt Scherf, VP and principal analyst with Parks Associates. “And connected TV is not just about online video.”

Consider: In 2010 less than a quarter of all HDTVs were connected, according to research firm Parks Associates. By 2015, Parks believes that number will hit 76% (more than 150 million units). The firm projects that by 2015 there will be more than $8 billion worth of transactions on connected consumer electronics devices, from e-purchases to gaming to VOD and streaming.

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UK Government Broadband Plan - The £98 Computer

Borrowing a page from computing projects in developed nations, Martha Lane Fox, the UK's "digital tsar", recently announced a program that will offer refurbished computers to UK consumers. These PC systems will be priced at only £98 and will include wireless broadband, flat panel screens, keyboard, mouse, telephone tech support, and delivery. Over 60 retail outlets are planning to sell these systems.

With a price that low for PCs, the UK will be performing an interesting experiment in supply and demand. The basic assumption of the program is that consumers cannot afford PCs. The interesting question will be whether the PC "have-nots" actually want a PC or to be online. While many of us who live and die by our e-mail and online access, there is a segment of the populace that just does not see the value of being online. So, will those without PCs snap up these £98 goodies? Will they be purchased by existing PC owners as computers for the kids? Will application developers spend their resources to create versions of their apps to run on these platforms (likely to be Linux)? Time will tell...