While few home network users currently have permanent connections between their consumer electronics (CE) devices and their home networks, those that do most commonly connect via their game console, research from In-Stat has found.
And as more connected CE devices appear on the market, In-Stat predicts that Blu-ray and DVD players/recorders will lead CE network client growth, not media centre-capable PCs.
"The primary reasons that more devices are not connected to home networks are: consumer awareness/knowledge, availability of network-capable CE products on retail shelves, prices of network-capable CE products, competition with non-network-capable CE products (like docking stations), and lack of perceived need by some consumers," says Joyce Putscher, an In-Stat analyst, in a press release.
The research, called ‘Global Networked Media Clients and Servers 2009 Update: Clients Growing But Struggling’, also found that:
– almost 43% of the Windows PCs used in North American homes in June 2008 had media centre functionality, up from 32% in 2007.
– the worldwide media server-capable device market is estimated at $50 billion in 2008.
– 64% of US respondents to a consumer survey are ‘somewhat’, ‘very’ or ‘extremely interested’ in watching Internet-based streaming video on their household TV.
For more on the research, click here.
