Televisions have always been interactive, either in the form of game consoles or remote controls, but the Internet will bring a new user experience and level of interactivity, Bell said.

Earlier attempts to bring the Internet to the television have been largely unsuccessful, but some broadband companies are trying to add interactivity to their IPTV networks. PCCW in Hong Kong is experimenting with ways in which users can upload and share photographs on their IPTV network. It is also conducting an experimental service where users can order an on-demand movie and pizza at the same time.

"Those all are still a bit clunky, but they are interesting indications of where things might move," Bell said.

The success of these services partly hinges on the usability of the interface, Bell said. TVs are easy to use, and the interface needs to flow in smoothly without breaking the TV experience people are used to, Bell said.

A browser or search engine could complicate the viewing experience as it brings the whole Web to a user, Bell said. Users want a few attributes of the Web, like social networking features that could bring personalized information or help users connect to friends for a chat.