ABI: Nearly 700M Wireless Video, Audio Connectivity Products to Ship in 2013
November 19, 2008 // Published as a news service by IHS
Shipments of four classes of wireless audio and video connectivity products for the home, which amount to 150 million this year, are expected to increase to nearly 700 million worldwide by the end of 2013, according to a new ABI Research study.
The technologies in question are Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ultra-wideband (UWB) and 60 GHz - the likely standard-bearer for in-home wireless distribution of uncompressed high-definition (HD) video.
Analysts said ABI Research has long maintained that as the wireless home electronics market grows, these technologies will coexist and become closely integrated according to their strengths and specialties.
"Wireless video and audio connectivity within the home is still an early-adopter's market," said ABI Research senior analyst Douglas McEuen.
"As prevalent as wireless connectivity is in the home, it’s still a small proportion compared to the potential overall market, and even smaller when it's a question of in-home media networks. However, as these systems begin to appear in consumers' homes, word of the benefits will spread, boosting acceptance levels."
While the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi markets are already large and well-established, those for UWB and 60 GHz - especially the latter - are in their infancy. "Once UWB begins to hit its stride around 2010, it will show the highest year-over-year growth rate of any of the four technologies," McEuen said.
Much of the growth of home connectivity markets will follow a steady progression, analysts said, but it could be accelerated by the activities of a few companies that are "pushing the technological envelope." Two newer vendors promoting new technology stand out: SiBEAM and Amimon. The former developed and has been leading the charge for the 60 GHz HD video solution, while the latter has pioneered the concept of the video modem.
Source: ABI Research.