The global
Internet TV market is forecast to reach a value of $81.2 billion by the 2017, with market growth being primarily driven by factors such as a soaring demand for digital media entertainment, growing penetration of high-bandwidth broadband services among households, and a rapid increase in Internet enabled devices such as smart TVs, smartphones, and tablet PCs.
The US and Europe represent two of the largest markets for Internet Television, with the European market drawing strength from the traditionally strong markets of France, Germany and the UK, in addition to the fast growing countries of Russia, Italy, Spain and additional Eastern European markets.
On the global front, Asia-Pacific is set to race ahead of the pack at the highest compound annual growth rate of 59% through to 2017.
Internet TV market has become very popular through services such as RTÉ Player in Ireland; BBC iPlayer, 4oD, ITV Player and Demand Five in the UK; Hulu in the US; Nederland 24 in the Netherlands; ABC iview and Australia Live TV in Australia.
With more consumers discarding their traditional TV sets and endorsing the idea of viewing content online, Internet TV is expected to become part of the mass market.