Increasing DLNA Software Certification Will Propel the Adoption and Connection of Devices within the Home Network, Says ABI Research

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) made some announcements at the recent CES trade show. The message was that the organization has started certifying software products as DNLA-compliant. The DLNA has been busy certifying hardware for some time; already more than 9000 consumer electronics products have received the stamp of approval. According to ABI Research data, more than 440 million DLNA-certified devices – from digital cameras to game consoles to TVs – had been installed in users’ homes by the end of 2010.

The certification of software that enables the streaming of content between DLNA devices over the home network – including applications such as Media Server and Media Player – should be a very valuable addition to this program.

According to practice director Jason Blackwell, “ABI Research believes the DLNA’s software certification program is a significant step that will provide a powerful stimulus to the adoption and connection of devices in consumers’ home networks. By vouching for the interoperability of devices using certified software, the DLNA will foster confidence among consumers that if they purchase certified hardware and software, their systems will work as advertised.”

The DLNA specification is platform-agnostic, though Windows 7, by embedding it in the operating system, has created more opportunity for Microsoft users. However the inclusion of third-party vendors will open up the market and create wider choice for consumers.

Blackwell concludes, “Until now, manufacturers and developers tended to ignore the home network and focused on creating dedicated devices and their own ecosystems. At CES, it seemed that vendors in all of these spaces (software, hardware, and content) now realize the importance of home networks and are searching for ways to make them work.”

ABI Research’s “Home Networking Market Data” contains market forecasts for a variety of networked devices as well as forecasts related to the installed base of home networking households. Forecasts for devices include units shipped, revenues and ASPs. Each device category has accompanying forecasts for network interfaces. Home network household forecasts include regional breakdowns.

This product is part of the firm’s Connected Home Research Service which also includes Research Reports, Research Briefs, other Market Data products, ABI Insights, and analyst inquiry support.