News

Media Home Networking Growing, But PVRs Still King According to In-Stat Survey (30/5/2006)

Although media networking is growing, many owners of Media Center PCs or PCs with TV tuners are still not using them for recording TV broadcasts, reports In-Stat (http://www.in-stat.com). Analysis shows that many of these owners are not recording TV programs on those devices, and opting instead to use their Personal Video Recorder or Digital Video Recorder instead, the high-tech market research firm says. This is one of the key findings of a new In-Stat consumer survey with broadband users to determine interest levels, and current use of, various digital home client devices, home networking equipment and applications.

"Wireless LAN (WLAN) is strongly preferred as the home networking technology of choice for not only experienced home network users wanting to upgrade their equipment, but also those who are planning to set up their first home network," said Joyce Putscher, In-Stat analyst.

Recent research by In-Stat also found the following:

-- There is still a low awareness of what Media Center PCs are, as evidenced by the 70% of respondents who did not have one and were unaware or barely aware of this type of device.

-- While the overwhelming majority of home network users do not subscribe to any home network support services, many were interested in doing so.

-- Although few respondents with a home network currently use their network for some type of home automation, a significant percentage indicated that they were interested in doing so.

The research, "Broadband Digital Homes in North America: Consumers Provide Home Networking Insights" (#IN0603256RC), covers the results of an In-Stat consumer survey with broadband users about various digital home client devices and home networking applications. It includes extensive analysis of consumers' attitudes and perceptions of technologies of broadband digital homes in North America.

www.instat.com