Parks: 73% of US internet homes connect their TVs

Some 73% of US broadband homes now connect one or more TV entertainment devices to the web, according to Parks Associates.

The research firm said this marked an 11% increase, compared to the beginning of 2015, in the use of connected in-home entertainment platforms – such as smart TVs, gaming consoles, streaming media players, Blu-ray players, and digital video recorders.

According to the research, games consoles were the most popular streaming device, with consoles the primary streaming device for 32% of homes that connect at least one device to the web.

Smart TVs were second most-popular streaming device, followed by streaming media players, smart Blu-rays players and DVRs.

The research also noted that consumers are using smaller screens for streaming, with 25% of US broadband homes using a tablet to access online video content and 20% using a smartphone.

“Consumers continue to accumulate streaming options for homes, including smart TVs, which are on track to surpass connected gaming consoles as the primary streaming tool in the home,” said Barbara Kraus, director of research, Parks Associates.

“People aren’t buying TVs solely for the smart functionality but within the standard replacement cycle, and those new TVs are likely to be smart. New owners of smart TVs will try out the smart functionality in the new TV and continue to use it if it meets expectations.”