Skip to main content

Wi-Fi in TVs Will Fuel Over-the-Top Video

Shipments of consumer electronics (CE) devices with Wi-Fi wireless LAN technology built-in will reach almost one billion by 2012.

Because of its large installed base in mobile PCs and home networks, flexibility, and a mature ecosystem, Wi-Fi is a valued universal technology for the CE market -- according to the latest market study by In-Stat.

Based on the assessment from the high-tech market research firm, "digital TV will be the second largest category of CE stationary devices shipping with Wi-Fi," says Victoria Fodale, In-Stat analyst.

"The sheer volume of digital TV shipments will make it a strong market, despite a relatively low Wi-Fi attach rate."

I believe that digital TVs equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity will add even more fuel to the amazing growth of over-the-top video distribution services. Over time, the fragmentation of the video entertainment market will surely destabilize the traditional pay-TV industry.

In-Stat's market study found the following:

- More than 294 million CE devices with Wi-Fi shipped in 2007.

- Compound annual growth rate for CE Wi-Fi devices through 2012 will be 26 percent.

- By 2011, cellular/Wi-Fi handsets will surpass mobile PCs as the large category of Wi-Fi devices.

Popular posts from this blog

Bold Broadband Policy: Yes We Can, America

Try to imagine this scenario, that General Motors and Ford were given exclusive franchises to build America's interstate highway system, and also all the highways that connect local communities. Now imagine that, based upon a financial crisis, these troubled companies decided to convert all "their" local arteries into toll-roads -- they then use incremental toll fees to severely limit all travel to and from small businesses. Why? This handicapping process reduced the need to invest in building better new roads, or repairing the dilapidated ones. But, wouldn't that short-sighted decision have a detrimental impact on the overall national economy? It's a moot point -- pure fantasy -- you say. The U.S. political leadership would never knowingly risk the nation's social and economic future on the financial viability of a restrictive duopoly. Or, would they? The 21st century Global Networked Economy travels across essential broadband infrastructure. The forced intro...
Read more