Publish Date: 1Q 10

Capabilities of high-end audio and video systems are moving into mainstream markets spearheaded by broadband Internet access, next-generation Wi-Fi networks, and affordable mass storage systems. This report examines trends in technology and consumer preferences driving the adoption of entertainment networks and media servers. Parks Associates’ latest research of consumers and home systems integrators together with market forecasts characterizes the opportunities for service providers and manufacturers.

“Media servers have become a must-have component in high-end entertainment systems exemplifying the mass migration from the analog to the digital world,” said Bill Ablondi, director of home systems for Parks Associates. “We see A/V distribution systems evolving into full-fledged, IP-based entertainment and control networks with PC-based media servers at their heart. The high-end market will be the test bed for innovations that will permeate all classes of entertainment systems.”

Download PDF of Table of Contents

The Bottom Line

High End Entertainment Networks and Media Servers Dashboard

1.0   Notes on Methodology

1.1 Scope of Report

1.2 Data Sources

1.3 Companies Briefed

1.4 Glossary of Terms

2.0   Home Networking and Media Server Trends

2.1 The Evolution of Home Networks

2.2 High-end Media Servers: The Players and Platforms

2.2.1    Multi-room Audio

2.2.2    A/V Systems Manufacturers

2.2.3    Other Companies to Watch

2.2.4    High-end Media Server Platforms

2.2.5    A Migration to PC-based Operating Systems and Software?

3.0   Network Technology Assessment and Selected Technology Enablers

3.1 Existing and Emerging Wire-based and Powerline Technologies and Enablers

3.2 Whole-home HDMI Solutions

3.3 Wireless Technologies and Enablers

3.4 Integrators’ Opinions on Home Networking

3.5 Digital Rights Management

3.5.1    DRM and the DMCA; A Brief History

3.5.2    Issues & Key Players: Kaleidescape & RealNetworks vs. The DVD CCA

3.5.3    What Does It Mean for Kaleidescape, RealNetworks, and the Industry?

3.5.4    What Others Are Doing Differently

3.5.5    What Lies Ahead?

4.0   Channel Voice: Perspective of Home Systems Integrators and Installers

4.1 Assessing and Addressing Today’s Market

4.2 Integrators and Media Servers

4.2.1    The Media Server Business

4.2.2    Top Selling Brands

4.2.3    Media Server Costs

4.2.4    The Future Role of Media Servers

5.0   Market Forecasts

6.0       Implications and Recommendations for Vendors

Authored by Bill Ablondi
Executive Editor: Tricia Parks
Published by Parks Associates

© March 2010 Parks Associates
Dallas, Texas 75230

All rights reserved.  No part of this book may be reproduced, in any form or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America. 

Disclaimer
Parks Associates has made every reasonable effort to ensure that all information in this report is correct.  We assume no responsibility for any inadvertent errors.

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