Nearly 700mn wireless home AV connectivity products to ship in 2013

November 6, 2008 - Shipments of four classes of wireless audio and video connectivity products for the home will increase from 150mn this year to nearly 700mn by the end of 2013, according to a new study from ABI Research.

The four technologies involved are named as Bluetooth, WiFi, ultra-wideband (UWB) and 60 GHz (described by ABI Research as the 'likely standard-bearer' for in-home wireless distribution of uncompressed high-definition video). The research firm adds that as the wireless home electronics market grows, these technologies will coexist and become closely integrated according to their strengths and specialities.

“Wireless video and audio connectivity within the home is still an early-adopter’s market,” said Douglas McEuen, Senior Analyst at ABI Research. “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.”

Mr McEuen adds that, although the markets for UWB and 60 GHz are currently 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.” Growth in the home connectivity markets could be accelerated by the activities of a few companies which are 'pushing the technological envelope', according to ABI Research, naming two stand-out vendors as SiBEAM and Amimon, the former of which is named as having developed and led the charge for a 60 GHz HD video solution, while the latter is described as having pioneered the concept of the video modem.