14 DAY TRIAL // According to a new study made by ABI Research, wireless audio and video connectivity products shipped this year reached a number of 150 million, but are expected to reach nearly 700 million worldwide by the end of 2013. The products are included in four classes, namely Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, UWB (ultra-wideband) and 60 GHz, which is the likely standard-bearer for in-home wireless distribution of uncompressed high-definition video. The wireless home electronics market is growing, says ABI Research, and the technologies will coexist and be closely integrated according to their strengths and specialties.
“Wireless video and audio connectivity within the home is still an early-adopter’s market,” notes 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.”
The Bluetooth and Wi-Fi markets can already be considered large and well-established, but UWB and 60 GHz, and mainly the latter, are at their beginning. Nevertheless, says McEuen, “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.”
The home connectivity market will see a steady progression, yet it could also be marked by an acceleration driven by some of the companies that, according to the study, are “pushing the technological envelope.” SiBEAM and Amimon are two of the vendors recently promoting new technology. SiBEAM has developed the 60 GHz HD video solution, and has been leading the charge.
Home Wireless Video and Audio Connectivity studies the opportunities for wireless video and audio connectivity in home consumer electronics. It also releases forecasts for the market based on the actions of key industry vendors. The study published by ABI Research is part of three analyses made by the firm’s Research Services, including Home Networking, Short Range Wireless and Wi-Fi.