SCOTTSDALE, USA: A growing number of digital media devices for home entertainment are receiving DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) certification. According to a new study from ABI Research, nearly 200 million such products shipped in 2008; that number will rise to more than 300 million in 2012, and the growth curve accelerates even faster in the years that follow.
"Consumers increasingly desire ways to connect their various home entertainment devices and distribute digital media content around their homes," says digital home practice director Jason Blackwell. “Without standardization, that is a nightmare. Fortunately, specifications developed by the DLNA, which are based on the UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) standard, enable easy, seamless connections in a wide and growing range of consumer electronics devices."
As of today, more than 5,500 devices, including products bearing many famous brand names, have received the DLNA seal of approval. Digital TVs are a huge part of this growth, with more than 170 TVs certified in the first six months of 2009 alone.
Blackwell expects the inclusion of DLNA support in the upcoming Windows 7 operating system to give DNLA a further push into the living room and beyond. “You could, for example, use a computer running Windows 7 to push a sequence of stored photos out to a digital picture frame,” he says.
“Much of this new Windows functionality will be implemented through the new version of Windows Media Player, which will have a ‘Play to’ command, allowing the user to choose among several DLNA-networked playback devices to display a particular video or other media file.” Windows 7 is scheduled to make its public debut in October.
The next phase of this developing market will see increased participation by broadband service providers, with set-top boxes and gateways becoming an important part of the home network.
Showing posts with label consumer electronics devices. Show all posts
Showing posts with label consumer electronics devices. Show all posts
Friday, August 7, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Electronics drop 16.3 percent this Father’s Day
LOS ANGELES, USA: Despite the economic downturn and retail sales plummeting, this Father’s Day it looks like dads are going from handyman to dandyman, as sales of pampering services and related products are expected to increase 35.7 percent, according to industry research firm IBISWorld.
Although pampering services only accounts for a small portion of total Father’s Day spending on the nation’s 66.3 million dads as reported by the US Census Bureau, pampering is emerging as this holiday’s fastest growing gift category with consumers expected to spend $190 million compared to $140 million in 2008.
The table below represents the percentage change in Father’s Day spending from last year across a range of popular categories:
Source: IBISWorld
“Traditional Father’s Day gifts, such as tools and electronics are declining this year while spa services, personal care products, and greeting cards are increasing,” explained Toon van Beeck, senior analyst with IBISWorld. “It seems that ‘New Age’ dads are this year’s fad.”
Van Beeck added, “According the US Census Bureau, there are an estimated 66.3 million fathers in the nation today which demonstrates the impact spending on Father’s Day has on the US economy."
Although pampering services only accounts for a small portion of total Father’s Day spending on the nation’s 66.3 million dads as reported by the US Census Bureau, pampering is emerging as this holiday’s fastest growing gift category with consumers expected to spend $190 million compared to $140 million in 2008.
The table below represents the percentage change in Father’s Day spending from last year across a range of popular categories:
Source: IBISWorld“Traditional Father’s Day gifts, such as tools and electronics are declining this year while spa services, personal care products, and greeting cards are increasing,” explained Toon van Beeck, senior analyst with IBISWorld. “It seems that ‘New Age’ dads are this year’s fad.”
Van Beeck added, “According the US Census Bureau, there are an estimated 66.3 million fathers in the nation today which demonstrates the impact spending on Father’s Day has on the US economy."
Saturday, May 23, 2009
US households spend over $1,200 annually on CE
USA: The average US household spent $1,229 on consumer electronics (CE) products in the past 12 months, $176 less than in the prior year, according to a new study released by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA).
According to the 11th Annual Household CE Ownership and Market Potential Study, video products are expanding already high levels of ownership.
On an average, men continue to spend more on consumer electronics than women, spending $902 annually compared to women, who spent $558. Young adults spent more than any other age group.
Consumers ages 18-24 spent $1,056 last year on CE devices, an increase of nearly $100 from the prior year. The average household reports owning 23 CE products, down from 24 products last year. However, the number of discrete (separate) CE products per household increased from 13 to 15.
"As products such as smartphones and GPS units incorporate a greater number of features and consumers replace older CE devices with newer ones, it’s not surprising to see the average number of products owned fluctuate," said Ben Arnold, CEA’s senior research analyst. "While consumers report spending less on CE, ownership of nearly all products measured in this study are higher compared to last year showing that consumers continue to buy CE products but are purchasing them at lower price points."
The study also shows an increase in video product ownership. Televisions are the most owned CE device in the US, with 99 percent of households owning a TV. Fifty-two percent of households own at least one HDTV, an increase of 11 percent from last year and double the penetration rate from 2007.
Ownership of plasma and LCD screens as well as sets over 40-inches are also on the rise. DVD players (93 percent penetration rate) and cell phones (90 percent penetration rate) are the next most commonly owned CE devices.
"As the June 12 digital television transition date nears, the average price for HDTVs continues to fall and HDTV programming increases, consumers are buying their first, second or third high-definition televisions," said Arnold. "With fewer Americans traveling and going out for entertainment, they are, in turn, choosing to stay home, save money and watch high-definition content in the comfort of their own living room."
The 11th Annual Household CE Ownership and Market Potential Study (May 2009) was conducted between January 29 and February 2, 2009. It was designed and formulated by CEA Market Research, the most comprehensive source of sales data, forecasts, consumer research and historical trends for the consumer electronics industry.
The complete study is available free to CEA member companies. Non-members may purchase the study for $999 at myCEA.CE.org.
According to the 11th Annual Household CE Ownership and Market Potential Study, video products are expanding already high levels of ownership.
On an average, men continue to spend more on consumer electronics than women, spending $902 annually compared to women, who spent $558. Young adults spent more than any other age group.
Consumers ages 18-24 spent $1,056 last year on CE devices, an increase of nearly $100 from the prior year. The average household reports owning 23 CE products, down from 24 products last year. However, the number of discrete (separate) CE products per household increased from 13 to 15.
"As products such as smartphones and GPS units incorporate a greater number of features and consumers replace older CE devices with newer ones, it’s not surprising to see the average number of products owned fluctuate," said Ben Arnold, CEA’s senior research analyst. "While consumers report spending less on CE, ownership of nearly all products measured in this study are higher compared to last year showing that consumers continue to buy CE products but are purchasing them at lower price points."
The study also shows an increase in video product ownership. Televisions are the most owned CE device in the US, with 99 percent of households owning a TV. Fifty-two percent of households own at least one HDTV, an increase of 11 percent from last year and double the penetration rate from 2007.
Ownership of plasma and LCD screens as well as sets over 40-inches are also on the rise. DVD players (93 percent penetration rate) and cell phones (90 percent penetration rate) are the next most commonly owned CE devices.
"As the June 12 digital television transition date nears, the average price for HDTVs continues to fall and HDTV programming increases, consumers are buying their first, second or third high-definition televisions," said Arnold. "With fewer Americans traveling and going out for entertainment, they are, in turn, choosing to stay home, save money and watch high-definition content in the comfort of their own living room."
The 11th Annual Household CE Ownership and Market Potential Study (May 2009) was conducted between January 29 and February 2, 2009. It was designed and formulated by CEA Market Research, the most comprehensive source of sales data, forecasts, consumer research and historical trends for the consumer electronics industry.
The complete study is available free to CEA member companies. Non-members may purchase the study for $999 at myCEA.CE.org.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Consumer confidence falls in April: CEA-CNET Indexes
ARLINGTON, USA: Consumer confidence in the overall economy decreased in April, according to figures released by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and CNET.
Although there was a slight decrease in consumer expectations about the future, the CEA-CNET Indexes painted a different picture for technology spending expectations, which reached their highest level this year.
The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE), which measures consumers’ confidence in the overall economy, dipped to 168.5 in April, but was up nearly three points over April 2008. The number is down four points from last month and moderates the upward trend persistent since February.
“Consumers continue to worry about economic uncertainty,” said Anne Claudio, Vice President of Research at CBS Interactive. “While we’re seeing indications of overall consumer confidence stabilizing, this month’s decline is still well above the all-time low seen last summer. Consumers continue to be cautious and reactive.”
While overall consumer confidence dipped in April, confidence in technology and consumer electronics (CE) climbed significantly. The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE) rose to 77.4, an increase of more than 10 points from last month and its highest level since December of 2008. The ICTE is up on a year-over-year basis for the first time since last September.
“While tax season may have caused some consumers to be more careful with their personal finances, they are still looking to spend disposable income on technology and CE,” said Claudio. “The ICTE showed that consumers are more likely this month to buy consumer electronics and spend more on those products than last month. We are hoping the increase in the CE confidence index will result in positive returns for manufacturers.”
The CEA-CNET Indexes are comprised of the ICE and the ICTE, both of which are updated on a monthly basis through consumer surveys. New data is released on the fourth Tuesday of each month. CEA and CNET have been tracking index data since January 2007.
Although there was a slight decrease in consumer expectations about the future, the CEA-CNET Indexes painted a different picture for technology spending expectations, which reached their highest level this year.
The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Expectations (ICE), which measures consumers’ confidence in the overall economy, dipped to 168.5 in April, but was up nearly three points over April 2008. The number is down four points from last month and moderates the upward trend persistent since February.
“Consumers continue to worry about economic uncertainty,” said Anne Claudio, Vice President of Research at CBS Interactive. “While we’re seeing indications of overall consumer confidence stabilizing, this month’s decline is still well above the all-time low seen last summer. Consumers continue to be cautious and reactive.”
While overall consumer confidence dipped in April, confidence in technology and consumer electronics (CE) climbed significantly. The CEA-CNET Index of Consumer Technology Expectations (ICTE) rose to 77.4, an increase of more than 10 points from last month and its highest level since December of 2008. The ICTE is up on a year-over-year basis for the first time since last September.
“While tax season may have caused some consumers to be more careful with their personal finances, they are still looking to spend disposable income on technology and CE,” said Claudio. “The ICTE showed that consumers are more likely this month to buy consumer electronics and spend more on those products than last month. We are hoping the increase in the CE confidence index will result in positive returns for manufacturers.”
The CEA-CNET Indexes are comprised of the ICE and the ICTE, both of which are updated on a monthly basis through consumer surveys. New data is released on the fourth Tuesday of each month. CEA and CNET have been tracking index data since January 2007.
Home networks for CE
DUBLIN, IRELAND: Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Home Networks for Consumer Electronics 2Q 2009" report to its offering.
This report examines the catalysts and inhibitors for connected consumer electronics. It specifically focuses on the key technology components -- including home networking, media processing, and device discovery and media server software. The report also provides definitions and profiles of various CE devices and includes worldwide forecasts.
"Several factors are driving the connected consumer electronics market, but none is more significant than the rise of premium access content services -- such as multichannel television and broadband Internet offerings -- and the continued trend of centralized digital media in the home," said Kurt Scherf, vice president and principal analyst with Parks Associates. "The pace of product and service development in this space will grow more intense as the market is joined in force by CE manufacturers, service providers, retailers, and the content industry."
This report examines the catalysts and inhibitors for connected consumer electronics. It specifically focuses on the key technology components -- including home networking, media processing, and device discovery and media server software. The report also provides definitions and profiles of various CE devices and includes worldwide forecasts.
"Several factors are driving the connected consumer electronics market, but none is more significant than the rise of premium access content services -- such as multichannel television and broadband Internet offerings -- and the continued trend of centralized digital media in the home," said Kurt Scherf, vice president and principal analyst with Parks Associates. "The pace of product and service development in this space will grow more intense as the market is joined in force by CE manufacturers, service providers, retailers, and the content industry."
Monday, April 27, 2009
Technology policy, free trade and DTV transition Focus of 2009 CEA Washington Forum
ARLINGTON, USA: Technology policy in the new Administration, free trade and the final countdown to the digital television (DTV) transition were the major themes at the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)® Washington Forum, which concluded recently in Washington, DC.
CEA’s Washington Forum, which focused on critical issues facing the technology industry, featured the fifth annual Digital Patriots Awards Dinner, which recognized Representative Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Representative Gregory Meeks (D-NY), for their support in advancing technology innovation.
Representative Roy Blunt and Representative Gregory Meeks were honored at the Digital Patriots Dinner on Wednesday evening, for their support of pro-innovation policies as well as their participation in CEA's "America Wins with Trade" grassroots tour. Rep. Blunt has served in Congress since 1997 and has been a strong advocate for both free trade and digital television. CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro said, "We honor Rep. Blunt for reaching across the aisle to build bi-partisan support for the Columbia Free Trade Agreement and for his leadership on DTV."
While accepting his award Rep. Blunt recognized his colleague, Rep. Meeks for his tireless fight for free trade. Acknowledging the importance of a strong competitive marketplace, Rep. Blunt remarked, “America is the most competitive market in the world. American businesses focus on results, government focuses on spending priorities. The government should take a lesson from businesses in this regard."
Representative Gregory Meeks delivered a passionate acceptance speech that addressed the importance of consumer technology in improving people’s lives, and stressed the need for passage of pending free trade agreements with Panama and Columbia. Meeks stated, “The CE industry is leading the U.S. in competitiveness. No matter where you come from, whether you are rich or poor, CE levels the playing field for all people. Your innovation makes the world a better place.”
Meeks then expounded on the importance of free trade. “You understand that trade is integrally tied to our national interest and the opportunity to create a better life for our children,” he said. “There are two major relationships between countries: trade and war. You have to make a choice. I like trade better, that is my choice.”
Other events at the CEA Washington Forum included a luncheon keynote address on Wednesday afternoon from David Plouffe, campaign manager, Obama for America. Plouffe discussed the vital role technology played in Barack Obama’s grassroots presidential campaign and will continue to play in his presidency. Plouffe credited a state-of-the art Internet presence, in part, to the success of Obama’s campaign. “Our campaign was organized on-line, where we tried to create a home,” said Plouffe. “We could not win without the historical productivity of the people; we built a web presence that became a tool for the people.” Plouffe went into great detail on the role technology played in allowing Obama’s campaign to be “real-time” with supporters and enabled the campaign to be vibrant.
Thursday morning’s session, “The DTV Transition - The Final Countdown (And This Time We Mean It),” highlighted the opportunities and challenges of the upcoming June 12 DTV transition. The session was moderated by Rob Pegoraro of The Washington Post and included panelists Mary Lou Kenny, NTIA; Bill Lake, FCC and Jason Oxman, CEA. The panelists stressed that their organizations are focused on educating those Americans who still utilize over-the-air broadcast, to ensure all consumers receive the necessary information for a successful transition. Consumer awareness of the DTV transition has reached 97 percent of US households. CEA’s Oxman pointed to the success of the DTV Transition Coalition’s comprehensive public awareness campaign, which has lead to wide consumer awareness of the transition date, and noted the necessary steps that lay ahead to ensure all are prepared after the transition.
The final event at the CEA Washington Forum featured a luncheon keynote by political pundits Tucker Carlson and Paul Begala. Carlson, an MSNBC senior political correspondent, started things off with his view of President Obama, praising him for some of his political appointments as smart decision making. Begala, a CNN political analyst, talked about the hope President Obama has inspired in Americans, as the number of people who believe our country is moving in the right direction has dramatically increased since his election. “For all of Obama’s gifts though, it is us and our system that put him there and that should make us feel good about our country and its prospects,” Begala said. Both praised the technology industry for making products that benefit our lives and our economy.
CEA’s Washington Forum, which focused on critical issues facing the technology industry, featured the fifth annual Digital Patriots Awards Dinner, which recognized Representative Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Representative Gregory Meeks (D-NY), for their support in advancing technology innovation.
Representative Roy Blunt and Representative Gregory Meeks were honored at the Digital Patriots Dinner on Wednesday evening, for their support of pro-innovation policies as well as their participation in CEA's "America Wins with Trade" grassroots tour. Rep. Blunt has served in Congress since 1997 and has been a strong advocate for both free trade and digital television. CEA President and CEO Gary Shapiro said, "We honor Rep. Blunt for reaching across the aisle to build bi-partisan support for the Columbia Free Trade Agreement and for his leadership on DTV."
While accepting his award Rep. Blunt recognized his colleague, Rep. Meeks for his tireless fight for free trade. Acknowledging the importance of a strong competitive marketplace, Rep. Blunt remarked, “America is the most competitive market in the world. American businesses focus on results, government focuses on spending priorities. The government should take a lesson from businesses in this regard."
Representative Gregory Meeks delivered a passionate acceptance speech that addressed the importance of consumer technology in improving people’s lives, and stressed the need for passage of pending free trade agreements with Panama and Columbia. Meeks stated, “The CE industry is leading the U.S. in competitiveness. No matter where you come from, whether you are rich or poor, CE levels the playing field for all people. Your innovation makes the world a better place.”
Meeks then expounded on the importance of free trade. “You understand that trade is integrally tied to our national interest and the opportunity to create a better life for our children,” he said. “There are two major relationships between countries: trade and war. You have to make a choice. I like trade better, that is my choice.”
Other events at the CEA Washington Forum included a luncheon keynote address on Wednesday afternoon from David Plouffe, campaign manager, Obama for America. Plouffe discussed the vital role technology played in Barack Obama’s grassroots presidential campaign and will continue to play in his presidency. Plouffe credited a state-of-the art Internet presence, in part, to the success of Obama’s campaign. “Our campaign was organized on-line, where we tried to create a home,” said Plouffe. “We could not win without the historical productivity of the people; we built a web presence that became a tool for the people.” Plouffe went into great detail on the role technology played in allowing Obama’s campaign to be “real-time” with supporters and enabled the campaign to be vibrant.
Thursday morning’s session, “The DTV Transition - The Final Countdown (And This Time We Mean It),” highlighted the opportunities and challenges of the upcoming June 12 DTV transition. The session was moderated by Rob Pegoraro of The Washington Post and included panelists Mary Lou Kenny, NTIA; Bill Lake, FCC and Jason Oxman, CEA. The panelists stressed that their organizations are focused on educating those Americans who still utilize over-the-air broadcast, to ensure all consumers receive the necessary information for a successful transition. Consumer awareness of the DTV transition has reached 97 percent of US households. CEA’s Oxman pointed to the success of the DTV Transition Coalition’s comprehensive public awareness campaign, which has lead to wide consumer awareness of the transition date, and noted the necessary steps that lay ahead to ensure all are prepared after the transition.
The final event at the CEA Washington Forum featured a luncheon keynote by political pundits Tucker Carlson and Paul Begala. Carlson, an MSNBC senior political correspondent, started things off with his view of President Obama, praising him for some of his political appointments as smart decision making. Begala, a CNN political analyst, talked about the hope President Obama has inspired in Americans, as the number of people who believe our country is moving in the right direction has dramatically increased since his election. “For all of Obama’s gifts though, it is us and our system that put him there and that should make us feel good about our country and its prospects,” Begala said. Both praised the technology industry for making products that benefit our lives and our economy.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
LG, DivX announce world's first CE devices with DivX HD 1080p playback!
SAN DIEGO, USA: DivX Inc., a digital media company, and LG Electronics Inc. announced that LG's new line of digital TVs is the world's first device series capable of playing back full DivX HD 1080p videos.
Over 200 models of LG digital TVs have been DivX Certified, including the LH50, LH70, LH85, PS70 and PS80 series. In addition, a wider variety of innovative LG TVs are now DivX Certified for playback of full DivX HD. Over 100 million DivX Certified devices have shipped worldwide from major manufacturers, and more than 400 digital TV models from leading consumer electronics manufacturers have been DivX Certified to date.
Available in the United States and Europe in late May and late April respectively, the LG digital TVs will enable consumers to easily playback DivX HD videos from the PC or the Internet through the USB slot.
Typical HD video requires a considerable amount of digital storage space, but DivX HD video provides a superior media experience by maintaining the highest visual quality while significantly reducing the video file size. Using DivX technology, users can fit approximately two hours of high-quality DivX HD video on an 8GB media card.
"Being first to market with digital TVs capable of playing back DivX HD 1080p video is a big win for LG as well as our customers," said Simon Kang, CEO and President of LG Home Entertainment TVs Co. "As people expand their DivX HD video collections they are looking for more convenient ways to watch them on their TVs. We've given them the ultimate convenience by building support for DivX HD playback into our digital TVs. This is another feature we've integrated beautifully inside of our TVs and we look forward to working with DivX in the future to offer even more innovative solutions that effortlessly bring HD video into people's living rooms."
"DivX video technology has long been capable of producing great HD video with remarkably efficient compression," said Kevin Hell, CEO, DivX Inc. "Now consumers will be able to easily enjoy those DivX HD files directly on their televisions. The LG digital TVs provide a comprehensive, cutting-edge digital media experience that clearly represents the future of consumer electronics devices."
Products that bear the DivX Certified logo have undergone a rigorous testing program to ensure interoperability, security and visual quality. DivX Certified products enable consumers to create, play and share high-quality video content across a range of devices and platforms.
Over 200 models of LG digital TVs have been DivX Certified, including the LH50, LH70, LH85, PS70 and PS80 series. In addition, a wider variety of innovative LG TVs are now DivX Certified for playback of full DivX HD. Over 100 million DivX Certified devices have shipped worldwide from major manufacturers, and more than 400 digital TV models from leading consumer electronics manufacturers have been DivX Certified to date.
Available in the United States and Europe in late May and late April respectively, the LG digital TVs will enable consumers to easily playback DivX HD videos from the PC or the Internet through the USB slot.
Typical HD video requires a considerable amount of digital storage space, but DivX HD video provides a superior media experience by maintaining the highest visual quality while significantly reducing the video file size. Using DivX technology, users can fit approximately two hours of high-quality DivX HD video on an 8GB media card.
"Being first to market with digital TVs capable of playing back DivX HD 1080p video is a big win for LG as well as our customers," said Simon Kang, CEO and President of LG Home Entertainment TVs Co. "As people expand their DivX HD video collections they are looking for more convenient ways to watch them on their TVs. We've given them the ultimate convenience by building support for DivX HD playback into our digital TVs. This is another feature we've integrated beautifully inside of our TVs and we look forward to working with DivX in the future to offer even more innovative solutions that effortlessly bring HD video into people's living rooms."
"DivX video technology has long been capable of producing great HD video with remarkably efficient compression," said Kevin Hell, CEO, DivX Inc. "Now consumers will be able to easily enjoy those DivX HD files directly on their televisions. The LG digital TVs provide a comprehensive, cutting-edge digital media experience that clearly represents the future of consumer electronics devices."
Products that bear the DivX Certified logo have undergone a rigorous testing program to ensure interoperability, security and visual quality. DivX Certified products enable consumers to create, play and share high-quality video content across a range of devices and platforms.
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