DisplaySearch announced that its Quarterly TV Design and Features report confirms that TV set makers are far from running out of ideas.

According to the statement, “while 3D TVs are all the rage, there has been a surge in the development of other TV enhancements,” said Paul Gray, DisplaySearch Director of TV Electronics Research. “Incorporating USB connectors in TVs is fast becoming as important as HDMI, and is enabling all kinds of new functionality. Skype is moving into the living room with video calling, and a surge of new connected sets are soon to reach the market in China. Also, Walmart’s purchase of VUDU could transform TV features if the retailer decides that any set they sell has to be capable of accessing it.”

DisplaySearch forecasts that almost 100 million connected TVs will be shipped in 2013, up 546% from nearly 15 million in 2009.

Digital broadcasting is also reaching a new phase, with government policy driving rapid adoption in Brazil and China, while 2010 is the year of terrestrial HD for Europe. Despite this, the internet is revolutionizing video delivery and TV set makers are preparing to ride that wave.

DisplaySearch research also indicates that LED backlighting and 240 Hz LCDs will serve as enabling technologies for new feature developments in TV in 2010, specifically 3D, an area of intense interest to broadcasters, movie studios and set makers. DisplaySearch forecasts that 2.5 million 3D-capable TVs will be shipped in 2010, with growth to 27 million sets in 2013.

“We are just seeing the hype turning into real products,” said Paul Gray, “but the key issue will be how consumers react, and the industry will learn a great deal as people take 3D sets home and use them. There are many complications in the supply chain, starting with a shortage of content. The content industry probably has the biggest task ahead.”

For more information visit: www.displaysearch.com