IMS Predicts Strong Internet Video Device Growth

The newly released IMS Research report Market Opportunities for Internet Video to the TV -2010 edition, predicts that Internet video device shipments will experience global growth of 78 percent year-over-year from 2009 to 2010.

The device categories that will see the most significant uptake in the short term are connected TVs and connected Blu-ray players, according to the firm.

Report Author Rebecca Kurlak stated that the recent release of the Blu-ray 3D specification and continued decline in the average price of Blu-ray devices would accelerate consumer acceptance.

“And, with nearly all Blu-ray players manufactured with IP connectivity enabling access to VOD libraries like Netflix, Amazon, Vudu, and CinemaNow, Blu-ray players are more compelling for purchase consideration than they have been since their market debut,” Kurlak said, in a statement.
 
As for 3D, Kurlak noted that 10 percent of the 2009 box office sales have been attributed to 3D movies, a trend that also favors Blu-ray adoption. “We expect global connected Blu-ray shipments to exceed 28 million devices in 2011,” she stated.
 
This report builds onto IMS Research’s first Internet Video household and device study that was released in December 2008. Equipment forecasts include Internet-connected equipment such as Blu-ray players, game consoles, media extenders, proprietary equipment, retail DTT+IP set-top box and connected TV sets.

The new study incorporates the latest shipment data and industry trends along with splits of pay versus ad-supported content delivery. This update also extends the forecast period through 2015, at which time households with the ability to view Internet video on the TV are expected to exceed 473 million.