ABI Research: With Growing Popularity of Rear-Seat Entertainment Systems, When Will Automotive Technologies Catch Up?

OYSTER BAY, N.Y.--April 27, 2004--High-end audio and video entertainment systems are a growing option on luxury sedans, minivans, and SUVs, yet these systems continue to use automotive audio systems with the same coaxial controllers and cabling used many years ago. A new ABI Research study explores why in this age of digital video (DVDs) and digital audio (satellite radio), digital multimedia networks have yet to make it into the vehicle.

"With the exception of some luxury models, digital in-vehicle multimedia networks have yet to be implemented into the vehicle," explains Dan Benjamin, an analyst at ABI Research. "The lack of an automotive multimedia networking standard has also caused system vendors to use their own incompatible, proprietary connectors, already fragmenting the market."

The MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) protocol is currently being used to deliver digital audio on nearly two dozen European vehicles. Despite initial traction in Europe, MOST has failed to gain acceptance with North American or Japanese automakers, and some have concerns that MOST's limited bandwidth may prove challenging for some video applications. 1394-Automotive is a competing standard that is related to the popular consumer electronics standard IDB-1394 (Firewire). 1394-Automotive offers higher bandwidth potential for video than MOST, while its most compelling feature may be its ability to interface with consumer electronics devices that utilize Firewire. Thus far, 1394 has failed to gain traction in the automotive sector, however ABI Research feels the segment is primed for growth. There are already millions of Firewire-equipped consumer electronics devices in the market, and an in-vehicle entertainment system that could directly interface with these devices may prove a significant differentiator for an automaker.

The new ABI Research study: "X-by-Wire: A Strategic Analysis of In-Vehicle Multiplexing & Next-Generation Safety-Critical Control Systems" features coverage of new electronic automotive subsystems, including steering, braking, throttle, transmission, and multimedia, in addition to analysis of the supporting data buses. 42-volt power systems are also covered.

Founded in 1990 and headquartered in New York, ABI Research maintains global operations that support annual research programs, quarterly intelligence services and market reports in wireless, automotive, semiconductors, broadband, and energy. Their market research products can be found on the web at www.abiresearch.com, or by calling 516.624.3113.