Wi-Fi Bluetooth, UMB and 60 GHZ Shipments Should Reach 700 Million by 2013, Says ABI

Shipments
of four classes of wireless audio and video connectivity products for the home,
which barely 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, UWB (ultra-wideband) and 60 GHz (the
likely standard-bearer for in-home wireless distribution of uncompressed
high-definition video.) 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," 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."

 

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. However, 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."

 

Much
of the growth of home connectivity markets will follow a steady progression, but
it could be accelerated by the activities of a few companies which, the study
says, 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.

 

Home Wireless Video and Audio
Connectivity

examines the opportunities for wireless video and audio connectivity in home
consumer electronics. It profiles the key industry vendors and concludes with an
in-depth market forecast that tracks the market forces
numerically.