Over 200 mn connected TVs and attached content devices likely in US homes by 2015

NEW YORK, USA: By 2015 there will be 202 million Internet-capable TV devices in US homes, a 44 percent increase from the 140 million at the start of 2013, according to the new Connected Home Forecast report from NPD Connected Intelligence. Among those devices, 65 percent will end up being connected to the internet by consumers in 2015 compared to just 56 percent currently connected.

Two driving forces in the market are pushing the adoption and use of connected TV devices; streaming media players, and the TV itself. The introduction of devices, such as Chromecast, will help drive the number of installed and connected media players to 31 million by 2015, and outpace connected Blu-ray players by mid-2014.

Connected TVs, once just a middleman for connected devices, are becoming a much more prominent piece of the living room experience. More connected TVs are being produced, purchased, installed, and ultimately connected to the Internet, and by 2015 there will be 23 million installed and connected. While TVs and streaming media players are expected to see the most growth, video game consoles will remain the most connected device to the TV.

"As consumers connect TVs to the Internet, they are not only using streaming services such as Netflix, they also switch from linear and on-demand TV programming to TV network apps such as HBOGO or WatchESPN," said John Buffone, executive director, industry analyst, NPD Connected Intelligence. "This change in behavior emphasizes the importance of developing strong watch apps and ensuring they are available on all the devices viewers use to connect their TVs."