Samsung expects 2011 will be a watershed year for connected TV. Almost all of its new 40-inch and above TVs will offer smart TV features. In fact, two-thirds of its range going forward will have Internet connectivity.

Select models will incorporate Smart Hub, a new portal which unifies content search across the TV and other DLNA-certified devices in the home including networked PCs and mobiles, or Internet and video-on-demand services.

Smart Hub will also deliver content recommendations based on a user’s viewing history, a full web browser interface via the TV, and the Samsung app store.

“People want to stay connected to the relationships and information that are important to them, and our latest line-up reflects a vision where smarter technology virtually and physically connects users through shared moments in the comfort of their homes,” said Sangchul Lee, senior VP of Samsung’s Visual Display Business.

Eric Anderson, VP content and product at Samsung sees synergistic value in connected TVs as part of the evolving “three screen” environment (handhelds, desktop and living room). “We expect to see more of our content partners create three screen experiences,” he says. “The smart TV will be the device of origin for a number of new and innovative apps and services.” He believes that content suppliers will favor companies that sell product for all three platforms.