Networked homes become a reality with LG Electronics

The home networking and residential gateway equipment market is estimated to reach around US $5.9 billion by the end of this year. Home networking services that deliver extra value based on new forms of connectivity is estimated to reach over US $3 billion this year. LG foresees demand for networked homes, which allow homeowners access to their appliances from anywhere at the touch of a button, to increase providing a convenient, pleasant, safer, and richer lifestyle.

"By 2005, over 100 million homes are expected to be using networked digital appliances and LG believes a large proportion of those will be in the Middle East and Africa," said K H Kim, President, LG Electronics Middle East and Africa Operations. "Two to three years ago, when home networking products were unveiled commercially, people doubted their technological viability and marketability. Technology has evolved since then and LG has invested considerably in R & D to develop home networking enabled products such as the Internet refrigerator, washing machine, air-conditioner and microwave, that are wired into the Internet and operate independent of each other."

LG launched the first home networking system in 2002 in the UK and Mexico. The system enables home tasking, such as remote-controlled lighting within the home and remote control of various appliances, as well as home security. This involves the connection of individual products via a network, and the enabling of remote home control and home automation.

The home network system operates the e-Home in three developmental stages. The first stage that consisted of developing individual Internet-enabled products was done by LG in 2000. The next stage was the living network stage where individual products are connected via a network, remote home control and home automation. This has already been technologically accomplished. With the increase in broadband networks and Internet penetration, living network products are selling briskly.

The e-Homes stage is the last stage and offers complete home management, such as self-diagnosis and automatic reporting. It provides home safety, advanced home security, and home entertainment solutions.

"LG Electronics has almost technologically accomplished the e-Home. This year alone we have received orders for over 12,000 home networks to be installed in Korean households, as well as constructing 1,333 premium home network apartments in Shenzhen, China. LG has taken a bold step in bringing the future of living standards to the Middle East and Africa today," Kim added.