Connectivity Technologies to Merge Consumer Markets in 2011

We announced today the main connectivity technologies that we see influencing the consumer market in 2011. Amongst those are HDMI Ethernet Channel (HEC), which consolidates video, audio and data into a single HDMI cable and SuperSpeed USB, the new standard that delivers data speeds up to ten times faster than USB 2.0.

We expect to see the distinction between home computing and home entertainment to disappear in 2011 as the new HDMI standard takes off, 3D TVs become more commonplace and even your granny looks at networking her home. The next twelve months will see networking move from a purely computing domain to one that is encompassed in other areas of the home, starting with the living room. However, with a range of internet enabled domestic appliances already coming to the market, the truly connected home of the future is on the brink of becoming a reality.

The standard for HEC was approved back in May 2010, but there are currently no compatible devices on the market, although the HDMI High Speed with Ethernet cables to connect them are available. However, it is expected that many of the mainstream manufacturers will be bringing HEC compatible products to market early next year, enabling users for the first time to take full advantage of IP-enabled devices, without the bird's nest of Ethernet cables hidden behind the TV.

By contrast, USB 3.0, officially known as SuperSpeed, has already shown great promise in 2010 with many users taking advantage of ExpressCards and PCIe cards to upgrade their machines. In addition, a host of manufacturers have included support for SuperSpeed USB in home entertainment and computing devices launched in the second half of 2010.

The big question in the connectivity marketplace now is whether Light Peak will be ready for release in early 2011, rather than as originally thought the latter half of the year, or will the rumoured tie-up with Apple cause another delay. Either way, USB 3.0's popularity is set to take off in 2011 as the major manufacturers are already starting to add capability to their offerings, despite Intel's delay in adding to its chips.