[opendtv] Consumers down on digital media adapters
- From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:10:59 -0500
What they are really talking about here is the previously much-hyped
central computer, used as networked home multimedia server. I have to
say, I'm not a bit surprised.
Bert
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Consumers down on digital media adapters
Rick Merritt
(11/27/2007 6:30 PM EST)
URL: http://www.eetimes.com/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=204204197
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Digital media adapters have failed to connect with
consumers, even advanced users, according to a new study by Parks
Associates (Dallas). The devices which ship music and videos on
computers for playback on TVs and stereos are typically too expensive
and difficult to use, a Parks analyst said.
Only about 9 percent of U.S. homes with broadband connections have a
stereo linked to their computer, and half of them make the connection
with direct cables. About 28 percent of those homes use a wired or
wireless digital media adapter, according to the report.
The video numbers are similar. Only 4 percent of broadband users have a
TV connected to their computer, and 31 percent use S-Video or similar
cables while 30 percent use a digital media adapter.
The adapters made by a wide range of companies--including Actiontec,
Apple, Creative Labs, Linksys, Netgear and Roku-typically cost
$100-$200. Consumers report they are often hard to set up and
unreliable.
"You need to have a computer, install a home network, buy the adapter
and then troubleshoot all these systems which typically are from
different manufacturers--it's not at all plug-and-play," said John
Barrett, a director of research at Parks. "At the end of the day it's an
unpleasant experience for what you get from it," he added.
Thus many consumers are taking a different route to the home net. "You
can go to Radio Shack and for $10-20 get RCA or S-video cables for a
direct link. It's not quite as slick because there's no remote control
and search capabilities, but it's much simpler and cheaper," Barrett
said.
The message for OEMs is to build digital media capabilities directly
into their systems. Service providers can also bridge the gap by
providing direct Internet links in their TV services, Barrett said.
A few companies are already following this course. Microsoft's Xbox 360
and some Tivo set-top boxes can link to media on PCs, a step in the
right direction.
"I think the real take away is people don't want a computer as part of
their entertainment experience. Some people will use a digital media
adapter, but most prefer something like a video-on-demand service,"
Barrett said.
The report, called Digital Media Habits II, is a study of media trends
in the U.S. and Canada.
All material on this site Copyright 2007 CMP Media LLC. All rights
reserved.
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