While few home network users currently have permanent connections between their consumer electronics (CE) devices and their home networks, those that do most commonly connect their game console, reports In-Stat . As more connected CE devices become available, In-Stat expects Blu-ray disc (BD) players/recorders will lead CE network client growth.

“The primary reasons that more devices are not connected to home networks are: consumer awareness/knowledge, availability of network-capable CE products on retail shelves, prices of network-capable CE products, competition with non-network-capable CE products (like docking stations), and lack of perceived need by some consumers,” said Joyce Putscher, In-Stat analyst.

Recent research by In-Stat found that almost 43% of the Windows PCs used in North American homes in June 2008 had Media Center functionality, up from 32% in 2007.

In-Stat’s consumer survey reveals that 64% of U.S. respondents are somewhat, very or extremely interested in watching Internet-based streaming video on their household TV.

A proliferating set of competitors are offering a range of digital media adapter/player/receiver (DMA/DMP/DMR) devices, including Apple, Cisco, Denon, Hewlett-Packard, Roku, Samsung, and many others.

The market research firm claims that the worldwide media server-capable device market is estimated at $50 billion in 2008.

Tags: Blu-ray