Awareness of Networked Multimedia Lacking but Growing in Asia/Pacific

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — In the Asia/Pacific region, PC-literate homes and broadband subscribers represent a large potential market for home networking and various networked multimedia devices, reports In-Stat. However, consumer awareness is lacking when it comes to non-PC devices that can help them consume their digital content in entertainment-centered areas of their home. The majority of Asia/Pacific home network users still only use their network for Internet sharing. In Asia/Pacific, knowledge of networked CE devices has increased, though mostly among higher-end consumers. In-Stat believes that the desire to consume digital content from PCs with a variety of CE devices will increase; however, consumer awareness, product availability, and product pricing will have a major impact on the uptake of network-capable media devices.

A recent report by the high-tech market research firm found the following:

• Asia/Pacific non-PC stationary media devices that are network-enabled are expected to grow by a compound annual rate of 26% from 2006 to 2011.
• Over the forecast period, the domination of non-PC network-enabled stationary media devices will slowly move from game consoles to digital TVs.
• Migration has begun toward high-definition IP boxes with wireless networking capability.

Recent In-Stat research, Non-PC Network-Enabled Stationary Multimedia Devices in Asia/Pacific (#IN0804268RC), covers the Asia/Pacific market for non-PC stationary multimedia devices. It provides shipment forecasts through 2011 for networked-enabled PVRs/DVRs, digital cable set top boxes, DBS set top boxes, IP/DSL set top boxes, Blu Ray DVD recorders, DVD players, game consoles, and other multimedia devices. Analysis of market drivers and barriers is also provided.