ABI: DLNA Software Certification Propels Adoption

According to an ABI Research report entitled “Home Networking Market Data," more than 440 million DLNA-certified devices – from digital cameras to game consoles to TVs – had been installed in users’ homes by the end of 2010.?

The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) made some announcements at the recent CES trade show. The message was that the organization has started certifying software products as DNLA-compliant. The DLNA has been busy certifying hardware for some time; already more than 9,000 consumer electronics products have received the stamp of approval.

The certification of software that enables the streaming of content between DLNA devices over the home network – including applications such as Media Server and Media Player – should be a very valuable addition to this program, according to ABI.

“ABI Research believes the DLNA’s software certification program is a significant step that will provide a powerful stimulus to the adoption and connection of devices in consumers’ home networks," said ABI practice director Jason Blackwell, in a statement. "By vouching for the interoperability of devices using certified software, the DLNA will foster confidence among consumers that if they purchase certified hardware and software, their systems will work as advertised.”??

The DLNA specification is platform-agnostic, though Windows 7, by embedding it in the operating system, has created more opportunity for Microsoft users. However the inclusion of third-party vendors will open up the market and create wider choice for consumers.

Blackwell concluded, “Until now, manufacturers and developers tended to ignore the home network and focused on creating dedicated devices and their own ecosystems. At CES, it seemed that vendors in all of these spaces (software, hardware, and content) now realize the importance of home networks and are searching for ways to make them work.”