• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, April 9, 2012

Convergence may be going mainstream. New research shows that 38% of U.S. homes have at least one TV set connected to the Internet through a gaming console, Blu-ray player, newfangled TV model or other mode, according to the Leichtman Research Group.

The figure is up from 30% last year and 24% two years prior.

Gaming consoles such as the Xbox, where Microsoft would like it to be a full entertainment hub, seem to be propelling much of the connectivity, as 28% of homes have a video game system with an online connection.

Internet-connected TV sets seem to be moving slowly on the adoption curve with 4% of homes connected solely to the Web by them.

The findings are from a survey of 1,251 homes, part of an “Emerging Video Services” study from Leichtman.

Online video viewing via connected devices is on the rise, with 13% of all adults doing so at least once a week -- up from 10% a year ago.

Netflix is a particular beneficiary, as subscribers enjoy it on a TV screen. Leichtman says 35% of Netflix subscribers watch streaming video via a connected device at least once a week.

Leichtman research drilled down further into Netflix’s role in the media landscape. The firm found that half of Netflix subscribers are “satisfied” with the online streaming service. There is some countervailing evidence that Netflix contributes to cord-cutting, as just 7% are “likely” to switch from their multichannel provider in the next six months versus 12% of non-Netflix homes.

Furthermore, 13% said they would consider spending cuts on their provider video package because of Netflix, compared to 21% a year ago.