CE High On 1394, Says In-Stat

By Doug Olenick -- TWICE, 6/20/2005

Scottsdale, Ariz. — The use of 1394 high-speed data transfer connectivity is increasingly being chosen by consumer electronic vendors, offsetting the declining interest of the technology in the PC space, according to a new report by In-Stat.

In-Stat's analyst Brian O'Rourke sees increasing penetration of 1394a into the digital television, set-top box and portable digital audio player markets as being key drivers. The addition of the automotive market has also boosted 1394's presence in the CE category.

Another plus for 1394 is the 1394c specification is almost completed. This new version is geared toward using 1394 connectivity as a networking tool, an application where 1394 has failed to gain much traction.

In-Stat is forecasting that in 2005, 1394 CE implementation will reach parity with the PC side of this business; however, going forward, PC usage will start to slip as USB 2.0 will increase its domination in the segment.