Futuresource Consulting expects connected TVs to "lead the way" in global TV shipments, predicting connected TV shipments will grow from 27% of total 2011 TV units to over 80% by 2015.
However Europe is still behind the connected TV curve, having the lowest current WW penetration rate with only 24% of TV sales being connected.
3DTV will also show growth, with global 2011 shipments reaching 16M units-- but only thanks to connectivity. Futuresource says customers will upgrade their TVs for connected features while being unaware of their purchases' 3D functionality. 3DTV should grow to take over 50% of the 2015 market according to the analyst.
IP connectivity is quickly becoming a standard TV feature, appearing in 60-80% of manufacturer product portfolios. Embedded wifi is also driving usage, appearing in many premium TV models.
Furesource expects LED TVs will continue making the majority of shipments-- accounting for 90% of 2015 shipments. The analyst predicts other technologies (LCD, PDP, CRT) will decline further throughout the 2011-2015 period, wile OLED will "gain traction" as more manufacturers start launching models carrying the technology. Samsung and LG alrleady announced OLED TVs at CES 2012.