Perspectives
The digital home has developed quickly in the last few years, from a conceptual topic to one very much based in reality. Consumers are continually discovering the benefits offered by connected and interoperable devices throughout the home. Making this evolution easier are home networking devices that have become more straightforward to set up and use, as well as standards, including DLNA, Wi-Fi, MoCA and others. In addition, digital media have quickly emerged as consumers view premium and user-generated content over the Internet on PCs, set-top boxes and other consumer electronics devices, a growing number of which can be connected to the home network.
Interactivity in the home is gaining traction. Consumers have been accustomed to interaction with the PC, but now interactivity is moving to the living room, through tru2way and ETV from cable providers, IPTV, and even remote controls. The question remains, though: who will provide the network connectivity and devices in the home? Will it be the consumer, a service operator, or a yet-to-be-determined third party? As content delivery continues its move to IP-based systems, the opportunities for interactivity and advanced applications will continue to increase. Developers are working on new user interfaces, search tools, and interface devices that will create the 'wow' factor for consumers while also easing the navigation through the plethora of content that is being delivered.
ABI Research's Home Networking Research Service takes a comprehensive look at the issues impacting the distribution of data, video, audio, and other content within the connected digital home. This Service follows the key technologies that enable the connectivity of these devices, including physical and software layer standards, as well as key devices including broadband gateways and media servers.
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