IMS Research announced that it expects global shipments of Internet-connected Blu-ray Disc players to exceed 28 million units in 2011.

According to the statement, IMS also forecasts that by 2015 more than 473 million homes will be able to view Internet video on their television sets (through video game consoles, Blu-ray players, media extenders, retail DTT+IP STBs, connected TVs, etc.).

Rebecca Kurlak, author of the report, states “With the Blu-ray Disc Association releasing the Blu-ray 3D specification a month ago, and the continued decline in the device category’s average selling price, IMS Research expects consumers to welcome Blu-ray players into their homes. 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.”

For more information visit: www.imsresearch.com