Consumers Want A/V Networking Systems
By TWICE Staff -- TWICE, 10/9/2000
DALLAS -- Growing consumer enthusiasm for digital home networking for audio and video functions is predicted in a new report from Parks Associates.
While the Internet is known for e-mail and unified messaging services, consumer responses in "Networks @ Home: High-End Entertainment Households" show entertainment as a key component in driving the adoption of new networking products.
Although the concept and implementation of distributed video are embryonic, consumers lured by the ability to distribute signals from a DVD player or a VCR are prepared to seek solutions that extend the presence of high-quality video and audio content at home.
More than 50 percent of all consumers surveyed in Parks' report expressed a strong interest in whole-house-based video networking. This opinion scored higher than a solution to network streaming audio, of which 45 percent indicate high levels of interest -- a surprising comparison as accessing audio via the Internet is a more common application.
Internet radio and streaming MP3 have been popular, the report shows, but consumer interest in multimedia connectivity reveals an enthusiasm for entertainment options that extend the value of the Internet, as well as consumer electronics and services such as DVD players, VCRs, satellite systems and cable.
"Entertainment content is no longer static in the minds of consumers," said Parks Associates president Tricia Parks. "The Internet has introduced streaming and downloadable audio and video, altering both the delivery and format of entertainment.
"Consumers, as they start to understand the sheer breadth of their choices, do not want to be confined to one room or one TV set. These consumers are starting to anticipate future solutions and advanced entertainment options with a growing amount of optimism."
In addition to connectivity issues, the report contains details and observations on consumers' responses to high-end entertainment product purchase intentions, PC purchases/usage, Internet usage in an entertainment context, non-PC Internet access, and attitudes regarding technology.
For more information about the Parks study, contact Steve Harvey (972) 490-1113 or sales@@parksassociates.com.
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