Surf and watch? Web connected TVs growing popular in Malaysia

Sales of web-connected TVs jumped from a mere 7% to 17% over the last 12 months.

LED TVs are also much sought-after, with 1 in every 3 TV unit sold in the country an LED TV. Meanwhile, future developments in the TV industry include sensor motion and voice control features, which may render remote controls obsolete.

Here's more from GfK Malaysia:

Malaysians are buying more television sets and a gradually growing proportion are reaching for those that come enhanced with LED backlit or Internet connectivity features, or even a combination of both, according to GfK Malaysia. Retail audit findings by the global leading market research company revealed these emerging trends in the fast growing US$629 million Malaysian TV market which registered 50% in volume and 17% in value growth in the last 12 months.

LED TVs are rising in popularity, as reflected by the consistent month-on-month growth over the last one year. Currently, more than one in every three units sold in the country is an LED TV, as compared to one year ago where this segment only contributed 17% to the volume sales of all flat screen TVs.

“As technology continues to develop and advance, lowering prices have made LED TVs increasingly affordable and this is a key factor driving its escalating sales in the country,” explained Ms. Jennifer Chan, general manager of GfK Malaysia. “We are witnessing falling TV prices across the board. For instance, the price of a 42 inch LED TV averaged at US$973 a year ago but today cost 31% less, at just US$673.”

Internet connectivity is another feature of the latest TV range that is increasingly sought after by consumers. Take up rate of web-connected TVs has been steadily gaining momentum over the last 12 months, where nearly 215,000 units, or 17% of all flat panel TVs sold comes enabled with the ability to access content on the Internet. This reflects a 10% incremental share in over the previous period, which reported a mere 7% market share then.

“Internet access is an essential aspect of modern day technology in today’s developed society, as demonstrated by the latest popular gadgets such as smartphones, tablets, cameras and now TVs,” commented Ms. Chan. “Web-connected TV is currently experiencing strong growth in Malaysia and this is evidenced by the rapidly expanding repertoire available in the market to cater to tech savvy consumers eager to enjoy the latest cutting edge TV technology.”

While consumers a year ago only had around 50 models of TVs with the Internet connectivity function to choose from, their options have widened significantly today as they are presented with over 100 models of TVs with this innovative feature. Web-connected TVs form 17% of all TV models being offered in Malaysia.

GfK Malaysia findings also reveal rising number of consumers in Malaysia who are going for larger TV screen sizes, driven by its declining prices. Sales volume of 40 inch and above TVs has grown considerably to make up 44% of the total pie, an increase of 6% over the previous period.

“The technology of TV is always evolving; with innovative features constantly being introduced to create new buzz in the market,” observed Ms. Chan. “For instance, recently launched sensor motion and voice controls features may just be the future of TVs where remote controls become obsolete; taking consumers’ TV experience to a whole new level. There is always something exciting happening in the world of TV.”