• by Wayne Friedman , December 19, 2011

Smart TVs -- those 2D TV sets with Internet-access -- are poised to be purchased by many more holiday shoppers this year than 3D TVs.

Demand for smart TVs is nearly twice the demand of 3D TVs, says Dallas-based Parks Associates. Still, the survey notes that 73% of consumers plan to purchase TV sets with advanced features that include 3D, Internet connections, and other capabilities.

Kurt Scherf, vice president, principal analyst, Parks Associates, stated: “The combination of a maturing product ecosystem with great holiday deals is putting smart TVs within the reach of the American middle class.”

Parks says middle-class homes with annual incomes of $50,000 to $75,000 are responsible for the rise of smart-TV purchases. It says 20% of middle-income homes intend to purchase smart TVs this holiday season, which compares to only 12% of those intending to buy with incomes above $75,000.

Cord-cutters alert: Parks says those intending to buy will likely be pay-TV subscribers looking to cancel or downgrade their pay-TV service within the next 12 months. Parks says smart TVs are part of a longer-term plan for budget-conscious entertainment consumers.