'Connected TVs to become norm by 2015'

Connected televisions are expected to become the norm for the majority of customers by 2015, a new report has predicted.

The report also suggested that 80 percent of all television (TV) units shipped by 2014 would be smart devices, as compared to 27 percent in 2011,The Telegraph reports.

The report compiled by the Futuresource Consulting found Japan leading in the adoption of connected TVs with 59 percent of its orders in 2011 being 'smart'.

Connected TV penetration in the US and China has now reached 29 percent, and Europe trails with 24 percent of sales of TVs being those with an internet connection.

Major manufacturers are trying to meet increased demand of connected TV's by making IP connectivity a standard feature in 60 to 80 percent of their products.

A Digital TV specialist, Chief Executive Simon Woodward, predicted that 2012 would mark the take-off of connected TVs.

"I expect the entire connected TV market to be shaken up this year as viewers get a plethora of next generation TV services offered to them. TV technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated in response to consumer demand for a more interactive, on demand viewing experience and we expect to see a wealth of innovative TV services follow in the footsteps of Netflix," he said. (ANI)