Several consumer electronics player are working hard on next generation smart TVs that could change the way we enjoy PBS.

Samsung, Sony and LG already have Google TVs in the works and a few smart TVs are already on the market, but sales have been slow so far. Market penetration could hit 10 percent in 2011, but next year it is set to double.

The number of so-called connected TVs, which offer basic internet connectivity and streaming, is also on the rise. Their market share is set to hit 30 percent in 2011 and grow to about 50 percent in 2013.

However, smart TVs are clearly the way of the future as they will offer an unprecedented level of connectivity and customization. Samsung is said to be pretty enthusiastic about the concept and it is already developing more than a thousand TV apps.

There is still a long way to go, but the concept is pretty promising. With proper operating systems, enough storage and processing power, next generation TVs could render HTPCs and media players obsolete. Coupled with wafer thin OLED screens and tiny bezels, they should appeal to geeks and fashionistas alike.

More here.