DLNA Device Shipments to Accelerate

Increasing quantities of digital media devices with Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) certification are expected to ship over the next several years, according to ABI Research.

According to a new ABI study, nearly 200 million such products shipped in 2008. The firm expects more than 300 million to ship in 2012, with growth accelerating thereafter.

"Consumers increasingly desire ways to connect their various home entertainment devices and distribute digital media content around their homes," ABI Digital Home Practice Director Jason Blackwell said in a statement. "Without standardization, that is a nightmare. Fortunately, specifications developed by the DLNA, which are based on the UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) standard, enable easy, seamless connections in a wide and growing range of consumer electronics devices."
 
As of today, more than 5,500 devices, including products bearing many famous brand names, have received the DLNA seal of approval. Digital TVs are a huge part of this growth, with more than 170 TVs certified in the first six months of 2009 alone.

Blackwell expects the inclusion of DLNA support in the upcoming Windows 7 operating system to give DNLA a further push into the living room and beyond.