Internet-Enabled TV Gains Popularity

A study by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) revealed that nearly half of all prospective television receiver purchasers are inclined to buy an Internet-connected set.

The survey, "Net-Enabled Video: Early Adopters Only?" revealed that nearly 48 percent on U.S. Internet-savvy adults would use a Web-enabled TV set to obtain additional information about upcoming shows and for identification of music played during a particular show.

"Consumers are already using the Internet while they watch TV. The next frontier is to create a seamless experience bringing the two together," said Shawn DuBravac, economist and director of research at CEA. "Consumers want a variety of content that they can access anytime. An Internet-enabled TV is perfectly positioned to provide consumers with exactly what they are looking for in their next television experience."

The study was conducted last December and also revealed that 30 percent of the responders said they always or usually were involved in Internet-related activities while watching television and that 32 percent said that they sometimes combined television viewing and Internet surfing.