According to a recent report from BCC Research, the global digital home entertainment systems market was valued at $150.9 billion in 2013 with a projection for the market to grow to $176.3 billion by 2018. The reasons for this are manifold: there has been a shift from analogue to digital and from modem to broadband access. Technological developments such as new storage and output technologies, more powerful chips and new platforms give the consumer much more choice in their entertainment mediums, as well as more devices to run them including PCs, gaming stations and mobile devices.

Coupled this with declining costs and a less complex set of home entertainment products and home entertainment is affordable for not just the eager and affluent enthusiast. In particular, standards-based wireless technologies allow home entertainment devices to integrate seamlessly.

UK Market

And although the report was broad in nature, covering America, Europe and Asian markets, closer to home there are signs that the home entertainment market is attracting some major players. Admittedly, 2013 didn’t start off particularly well: particularly for the video and gaming industry with long-term giants, HMV and Blockbuster both going into administration. Would this mean tumbleweed a’blowing through British high streets with the demise of specialist video outlets? Well, apparently not.

In a deal allegedly worth £50m, Hilco has bought HMV from administrators Deloitte, in a deal believed to be worth £50m. Only a month ago, investment company Gordon Brothers Europe bought 264 Blockbuster stores. WHSmith has announced a return to the CD and DVD market and UK video games retailer GAME is believed to be upping its commitment to film, particularly Blu-Ray. And UK supermarkets’ volume share of the video market has grown to over 40% in the past five years. From being supplementary to the grocery shopping, home entertainment is now a very key part of what they do.

Online Facilitated

And they are now concentrating heavily on the online market. Tesco owns video on demand Blinkbox and has recently introduced the online service Clubcard TV. Sainsbury’s in league with Rovi has set up its own movie and TV streaming service.

A spokesperson the Ultraviolet Consortium (the licensing system that allows owners of home entertainment to download it on multiple platforms) said: “In terms of streaming video, I can tell you that Sainsbury’s Entertainment will soon offer film fans in the UK the chance to download or stream their favourite movies. Initially available on PC and Mac, the service will expand to a range of internet connected devices including Smart TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, handheld devices, and game consoles.”

So how can the customer benefit? By making sure that all media platforms that constitute their home entertainment systems are compatible and up-to-date. This includes wiring, multi room audio accessories, audio-visual equipment, speakers and anything else that is necessary. Check out the products on the UK-Automation website for every requirement and accessory to make a home entertainment system well worth having in your own home.  Do check out our new products and clearance items.