The anticipated growth of internet-enabled TVs in the next four years would likely increase the popularity of digitally downloaded movies, TV shows and video games while dampening sales related to DVDs, blu-ray discs, video game discs, and other physical content formats. According to USA Weekend, several major TV manufacturers already have or will soon have internet-enabled TVs on the market.

While internet-enabled TVs are only expected to account for about 3% of TV sales this year, research firm Parks Associates estimates that they will represent 24% of TV sales by 2013. Companies including LG, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and Toshiba now or reportedly plan to offer internet-enabled TVs, at a starting price point of around $1,500 USD.

 

So 24% of TVs sold by 2013 will be web-connected and may enable high-quality streaming of TV content on demand. How will operators (Comcast, DirecTV, Dish, Verizon, Time Warner Cable, etc.) battle this? And what does it mean for emerging iTV standards like EBIF and tru2way?