In 2010, there was a rapid shift toward consumer electronics (CE) devices with networking and web content capabilities. But going forward that shift is going to become skyrocketing, according to analysts.

Network-enabled CE devices have the ability to connect directly to the Internet or to a home network, while web-enabled, Smart devices have to deliver IP-based video content for viewing either on the device itself or on a separate screen. Both types of devices are expected to grow exponentially over the next five years. By 2015, In-Stat predicts there will be one billion web-enabled, stationary CE devices in operation worldwide.

“Smart TVs and Blu-ray players (that support online apps) will constitute over 50% of all web-enabled CE device shipments worldwide in 2015. 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," said Keith Nissen, an analyst with In-Stat.

According to the analyst firm, 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.

Due to the trend, the vast majority of Blu-ray disc players and recorders shipped will be both network-enabled and web-enabled devices.

There are many different TV application platforms. 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, suggests In-Stat.

Tags: HDTV