The U.S. will have over 103 million pay-TV households by the end of 2014, with two-thirds of pay-TV subscribers expressing interest in features they currently do not have, according to new researchannounced at CES today by Parks Associates. The research firm announced it will host the 18th-annual CONNECTIONS™: The Premier Connected Home Conference on May 13-15, 2014, at the San Francisco Airport Marriott Waterfront, which will focus on connected home topics such as pay-TV services.

"Remote access to DVR content was the most popular among pay-TV households without that service. Our research shows 31% of pay-TV subscribers want remote DVR access, while 27% are interested in TV Everywhere and 26% in personalized recommendations," said John Barrett, director, Consumer Analytics, Parks Associates. "For these services to succeed, providers must increase awareness of their offerings while balancing cost concerns of their subscriber base. Analysis of current market strategies will be a key topic at CONNECTIONS™ 2014."

Parks Associates analysts report that currently, few providers beyond DISH Network provide remote access to DVR content due to licensing restrictions and there are tremendous opportunities for companies with the right market strategies. Currently 47% of video consumed on a TV set now comes from non-linear sources.

"2014 CES announcements and industry trends follow the migration of home entertainment and home management to the Internet through OTT content distribution, connected devices, smart home services, and the Internet of Things," said Stuart Sikes, President, Parks Associates. "Parks Associates'CONNECTIONS™ conference in May will tackle the unique business challenges these industries are facing this year, with analysts and industry executives discussing strategies to grow revenues in this evolving market."

CONNECTIONS™ will focus on connected home technologies announced at CES and topics such as advanced business models, new sales channels and partnership opportunities, and evolving consumer demand that is shaping and redefine smart home and entertainment services.

The event, with early sponsorship support from Amdocs, Lowe's, Qualcomm, Support.com, and Z-Wave, features research presentations, keynotes, and interactive sessions focused on emerging technologies, value-added services, marketing strategies, and business models for the entertainment and smart home industries.

From the article, "Parks Associates at CES: Over 103 million U.S. households will subscribe to pay-TV services by end of 2014."