Nearly half of connected TV owners say they actually use it to access the Internet, and some 57 percent say they're happy with the results.
NPD Group's Connected TV Owners Study also found that of the users who have connected to the Internet, 57 percent say they use it to access Netflix; some 47 percent say they access YouTube; and 54 percent say they access other networks in the home from their connected TV.
"Manufacturers are underselling the Internet features of connected TVs," said Ross Rubin, executive director of industry analysis at The NPD Group. "Broadband features unlock worlds of on-demand content; manufacturers should provide the key by integrating WiFi."
According to NPD's retail tracking service, sales of IPTV (connected) TVs have increased 38 percent (January - November) compared to the same time period in 2009, and now make up nearly 12 percent of all flat-panel sales.
"Video services are leading the way on connected TV usage," said Rubin. "These include the ubiquitous Netflix and the rapidly expanding presence of Hulu Plus. But NPD research indicates that manufacturers have an opportunity not only to provide more content choices, but inventive ways to navigate them."
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