> the lack of non-smart TVs on the market causes the popularity of smart TVs. Consumers buying TVs are driven by prices. Prices of smart TVs are artificially l

> the lack of non-smart TVs on the market causes the popularity of smart TVs. Consumers buying TVs are driven by prices. Prices of smart TVs are artificially low...to the tune of either slim margins (<5%), no margins, or negative margins. The only reason 90% of the TV manufacturers can make money is by making them "smart", because they make up for margin on collecting/selling data. In other cases, big box retailers use them as loss leaders (see -> monster cable margins). In other words - it's not that simple - the demand for smartTVs is driven partially by an artificially set price point. source - my dad was a sales rep that sold TVs for 15 years late 90's-early 2000's.