Internet video devices to exceed planet’s population by 2017

The number of internet-connected video devices globally will exceed eight billion by 2017, exceeding the population of the planet, according to IHS.

The research group’s Broadband Technology Service predicts that the number of video-enabled devices connected to the interent, including tablets, smart TVs, Blu-ray players and PCs, will grow to 8.2 billion, up 90% on this year’s figure of 4.3 billion. The 2017 figure is expected to represent the equivalent of 1.1 devices per person on Earth, according to current population growth predictions, said IHS.

PCs are expected to account for only 23% of the connected installed base by 2017, down from 93% in 2005, with smart TVs expected to account for 5%, games consoles for 2% and tablets and smartphones together for 67%.

While the number of internet connected devices in mature markets such as North America and western Europe is epxected to grow at a compount annual growth rate of about 10%, Asia Pacific will see CAGR of 20% over the same period, adding 1.9 billion devices over the period, driven by China. Sub-Saharan Africa will contribute an additional 145 million net additions to the device total over the same period.

“On average every human being in the world will possess more than one internet-connected video device by the year 2017—a major milestone for the electronics market,” said Merrick Kingston, senior analyst, Broadband Technology, at IHS. “In practice, ownership of internet-connected hardware will be concentrated among users whose homes are equipped with broadband connections. We’re quickly approaching a world where the average broadband household contains 10 connected, video-enabled devices. This means that each TV set installed in a broadband-equipped home will be surrounded by three internet-connected devices.”