Networked Home Audio

Market Analysis of Sonos-like Systems, Audio Servers, IP Speakers, and Network Receivers

The consumer home audio market goes through major shifts every ten years. Nearly 20 years ago it was the shift to the Compact Disk. Close to ten years ago the Internet unleashed P2P sharing through Napster, and the music industry has never been the same. Since then, the changes have kept on coming, with Apple’s iPod and iTunes changing the way consumers purchase and use their music.

ABI Research believes the next major shift in home audio will be adoption of IP based (and some proprietary) networking to allow for in-home distribution of music. The increasing number of consumers who buy their music in digital/non-physical formats such as through iTunes or Zune Marketplace, as well the many that convert their existing CDs to digital files through ripping them onto their PC hard drive, are looking for ways to enjoy this music around the home through stereo and speaker systems that go beyond what they get through their PC-based music configuration.

What Questions Does This Report Answer?

  • How many consumers are using networked home audio today?
  • What are the different use-case scenarios for networked home audio?
  • What are the major industry impediments and what conditions will foster the growth of this currently nascent market?
  • How big will the home audio server market be?
  • Who are the key players across the audio server, networked receiver/media adapter, IP speaker and complete-system markets?
  • Who are the key technology providers for this market?
  • How will IP-based distribution services for music tie into the networked home audio market?

Who Needs This Report?

  • Consumer electronics vendors
  • Home audio system specialists
  • Music and content providers
  • Digital distribution companies
  • Content providers
  • Investment and financial analysts