Support for DLNA in Windows 7 will spark significant growth in Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) and Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) technology, which is used to make in-home media sharing easier, according to the latest market study by In-Stat.
Shipments of DLNA-enabled devices will surpass a billion units by 2014, up from several hundred million in 2009. Attached rates for UPnP are also growing and will slightly exceed those of DLNA.
UPnP enables devices from multiple vendors to communicate with one another. DLNA builds upon UPnP to provide interoperability of media across devices.
"While UPnP and DLNA are seeing increased adoption and unit shipments, it may take several years before large numbers of consumers use the technology" says Norm Bogen, In-Stat analyst. "The number of consumers who realize they have this functionality and understand its implications continues to be very low."
Apparently, yet another example of how an effective market development strategy can't be an afterthought for a new technology-based solution, it must be part of a concerted effort -- from the very beginning.
In-Stat's market study found the following:
- Handsets, PCs, and digital televisions will account for 74 percent of the DLNA market.
- Over 85 million DLNA-enabled Blu-Ray Players or Recorders will ship in 2014.
- Digital media controllers make up the smallest volume of UPnP shipments compared to Digital media servers and Digital media players, however, accounts for the largest growth area.
