US consumers warming to connected and 3D TV

Consumers in the US are registering a sharp increase in 3D TVs and, to a greater extent, connected sets, according to the latest research.

IHS polled consumers about their buying plans and 30.7% of those planning to buy a new TV in the year to June will choose an internet-connected set. That stacks against 18.1% in the corresponding period a year earlier.

The proportion planning to buy into 3D TV also grew, albeit at a smaller rate with 18.8% of those surveyed saying they will opt for 3D. That compares with 6.6% a year earlier.

“Features most commonly found on high-end TV models and bigger screen-size sets, like 3D and internet-connectivity, are becoming more important to U.S. consumers,” said Veronica Thayer, TV systems analyst at IHS. “But the appeal of 3D TV remains far lower than that of internet-enabled sets – often marketed as smart TVs.”

Other key purchase drivers include LCD technology but the biggest deciding factor among US consumers remains size.