Certification - August 2008 - (Page 33)

The shopping list of digital devices designed for the home seemingly grows daily. Video and audio entertainment components; gaming systems that are increasingly lifelike in the player interaction they allow; and home comfort and security systems deliver big returns on improving the quality of life. And these come at prices that are increasingly within the budget of the average consumer. While many of these devices and systems carry the “plug and play” label, getting them to work properly, either along with or as part of an integrated home network, can still be challenging for even the most tech-savvy homeowner. This is especially true in multiroom, networked entertainment configurations and when home control systems are involved. The typical consumer is not able to effectively integrate all home systems. That’s opened the door for business and employment opportunities for individuals who are trained, experienced and certified in digital home technologies. And while the slowdown in the U.S. housing market has dampened some rosy forecasts for continued growth, nearly one-third of home technology integration companies surveyed by research firm Parks Associates and EH Publishing anticipate more than 20 percent growth during 2008. That’s compared to 7 percent that predicted that rate of growth in 2007. One reason for optimism is increased emphasis on retrofits. Approximately one-half of home technology integration revenue comes from installation work within existing homes. But one of the biggest challenges home technology integrators face is finding technicians who can perform a variety of tasks in the home technology environment. The growth of digital home networking could be stalled without qualified technicians to deliver service and support. Strong Market Growth Continues In 2007, the U.S. consumer electronics industry totaled $161 billion in overall shipment revenues, according to “The 10th Annual Household CE Ownership and Market Potential Study” published this spring by the Consumer Electronics Association (www.ce.org). Even with the current economic uncertainty, the consumer electronics industry is on pace to do even better in 2008. The average U.S. household spent more than $1,400 on consumer electronics products in the past 12 months, according to the survey. High-definition televisions (HDTVs) have the highest growth penetration this year. The CEA survey projects that by the end of 2008, HDTV-penetration could reach 50 percent of U.S. households. Lower prices for HDTVs have contributed to this growth, as has the upcoming transition to digital television on Feb. 17, 2009. Cell phones, MP3 players, digital cameras and laptop computers also are helping drive growth in the consumer electronics industry, according to the study. IP Network Makes Smart Homes a Reality The worlds of CE and information technology are converging in the 21st-century home, with the personal computer as the controlling hub. The digital home market has adopted de-facto standards already in use in the IT industry. For example, nearly every subsystem and electronic device in the home has, or soon will have, an Internet protocol (IP) address to enhance interoperability. This makes it possible to use an IP network as the backbone for integration of all digital systems, turning the residence into a “smart home.” This interconnectivity makes a whole host of applications possible. For example: • When the phone rings, the caller identification is displayed on a television screen. • The home’s temperature can be controlled remotely, allowing the homeowner to save on August 2008 CERTIFICATION MAGAZINE http://www.ce.org

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Certification - August 2008

Certification - August 2008 Editor's Letter Contents Data Stream jVirtual Village Tech Careers Dear Techie Troubleshooting Academic Connection What We Like Look Ahead The China Boom United in IT: Tech Culture Breaks Down Barriers Abroad Interface Digital Home Technology Integrator: Specialized Skills for the Smart Home Inside Certification Ad Index Endtag

Certification - August 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.