Demand for pervasive connectivity rises - study

Multi-screen home entertainment is becoming a reality with the benefit of technologies and standards such as Transcoding, DLNA, Wi-Fi, MoCA and Powerline Networking, according to a study by Broadcom and JZ Analytics. Two-thirds of people watch more than two videos a day, while a quarter say they watch at least five videos a day. About 87 percent consume more than ten hours a week of digital content. More than half of all respondents consume more than twenty hours a week. Almost 62 percent said they would stream content that can normally only be watched on their TV to mobile devices such as laptops, smartphones or tablet PCs throughout the home should their cable or satellite provider offer the service. Nearly 67 percent are more likely to purchase an HDTV that can connect directly to wireless devices such as smartphones, tablets or laptop PCs and the internet than one that cannot. Consumers are connecting more devices to the internet and to other devices, and want to spend less time configuring those connections and more time enjoying them. Consumers are demanding pervasive connectivity - something that will be possible with technologies such as 802.11ac and Wi-Fi Direct. Nearly 35 percent have suffered from connectivity withdrawal, while 30 percent said it happens at least once a week. Almost 22 percent of people claimed to have six or more wireless devices in their homes. The percentage of people with six or more devices has almost quadrupled in the last three years (from 6 percent). More than a quarter had to configure and connect a device wirelessly in the last month (28 percent). Less than half found the experience a pleasant one, so there is room for simpler connectivity technology. Of those who own a capable mobile device, 32 percent say they consume more than ten hours of content a week while on the go, and 51 percent consume more than five hours a week. Consumer demand for entertainment and safety features in vehicles is high, increasing the need for auto makers to include more complex networks in cars they produce. Ethernet technology is set to become the standard for in-car connectivity to help address consumer needs. Navigation systems, driver safety features and online entertainment are the top considerations for automotive purchases.