Advanced Television

French quick to adopt connected TVs

September 7, 2011

Survey results from ABI Research suggest HbbTV is having an impact on consumer demand for connected TVs. In Germany and France, where HbbTV has the greatest traction, connected TVs enjoyed healthy support. In France, connected TV penetration was highest amongst the surveyed countries – 22 per cent of respondents who have a home network. In terms of usage, 41 per cent of French respondents with a TV connected to their home network browse the Internet, which came in second only to viewing online video (54 per cent).

While connectivity brings a wealth of new features and opportunities to the CE market, this trend also engenders potential risks. In recent months, some high profile security breaches have brought to light these issues and while consumers have expressed concerns, these reservations do not appear to have had a significant impact on consumer adoption or continued support of connected CE thus far. “The mobile industry – namely applications, interfaces, and interactivity – is a leading indicator of where the connected CE market is moving,” says Jason Blackwell, practice director, digital home.

To this end, ABI Research polled French respondents on mobile security. Nearly 70 per cent of respondents believe that data transmitted to and from mobile phones is not very secure. However, this hasn’t stopped French consumers from rapidly adopting mobile banking and mobile shopping apps and services, especially relative to their German and UK counterparts. Convenience appears to be a major driver for mobile banking services, trumping concerns with mobile security. Says mobile services practice director Dan Shey, “This data highlights growth potential of mobile money services, as long as mobile suppliers can further allay French consumer security concerns.”

Categories: Articles, Connected TV, Consumer Behaviour, Equipment, OTT, Research