Providing market intelligence for more than 35 years

In The News

Technology On Brink Of Explosive Growth

TwiceBy 2003, networking standards such as HomePNA, HomePlug, HomeRF, or 802.11b will be able to support speeds fast enough to allow distributed digital MPEG4 (a next-generation compression standard for digital video) over home networks.

Parks Associates, Dallas, recently completed a consumer study in which 69 percent of respondents said they would be interested in a DSS solution that would let them watch programming on a second TV without the separate receiver (usually costing $100 to $200).

"Another driver will be the idea of having a home server that will store content, from music to videos and games," said Parks home networks analyst Kurt Scherf. "We've already seen the popularity of the TiVo Replay devices. There are a lot of folks who think that something like that will be the centerpiece of the home network. Napster [or other MP3 websites] could be on the server, and the kids could stream [MP3] to any stereo in the home. Forty five percent of consumers said they were interested in audio networking."

HomePlug, however, has the advantage of myriad wall-jack outlets throughout the house, although some industry members say older homes with older wiring may not be able to support a network. In addition, power-line networks may be subject to interference.

"Nothing will really happen with power-line in 2000 because there's no HomePlug spec yet," said Parks' Scherf. "If they make a first-quarter 2001 deadline, they'd be doing pretty well. Ethernet and phone-line will still dominate this year, and RF is finally picking up.

"Power-line will probably capture more than the 15 percent market share we had originally predicted by the end of 2004. It will probably cut into phone-line's share."

Scherf's original forecasts for 2004 called for a total 29-30 million network nodes (networked items such as PCs) in the United States, with phone-line taking a 55 percent share, HomeRF or 802.11b at 25-30 percent, and power-line at 15 percent.

From the article, "Technology On Brink Of Explosive Growth," by Amy Gilroy.

Previously In The News

Disney and FOX Don’t Think Their New Sports Bundle Will Wreck Cable TV. Are They in Denial?

Consulting firm Parks Associates found 40% of US traditional pay-TV subscribers still watch live sports via Legacy pay TV. “This could be a win for the sport streaming consumer searching for their...

46% of pay-TV subscribers show interest in smart more control features, survey finds

In recent findings by Parks Associates, a trend among pay-TV subscribers underscores a growing inclination towards integrating smart home and security functionalities within their TV services. The...

Interest Is Growing for a More Interactive TV-Watching Experience

New data from research firm Parks Associates found that 46% of cable TV subscribers find emerging home control and interactive features, provided through their TV service, appealing or very appealing....

More Than 60% of U.S. Households Feel They’re Paying Too Much For Electricity

New data from market researcher Parks Associates shows 60% of U.S. households think they’re paying too much for electricity. The firm will host dozens of experts from Big Tech and energy companies...