Smart TV sales boost overall European market

Sales of smart TVs in Europe boosted the overall market for devices last year, with over 15 million smart units sold across 10 countries, 18.5% up on the previous year’s figures, according to statistics compiled by GfK for German consumer electronics trade organisation the GFU. 

Overall sales of smart TVs amounted to €11.2 billion, up 10.2%. Smart TVs accounted for 44% of the market across the countries studied, rising to 57% in Germany.

The overall TV market grew by 3.2% to over 34 million units in 2014. However, average unit prices declined by 3% to €477 across the 10 countries studied. The average price in the GFU’s home market, Germany, was higher at €556 thanks to a preference for large screen sizes and high-spec devices, but nevertheless fell by 4.8% compared with 2013.

GFU chairman Hans-Joachim Kamp welcomed the figures, which showed a return to growth after a decline in 2013.