Batman 3 on Xbox

A new technology is taking hold in the living room: digital media adapters, standalone or embedded devices that route audiovisual content from other sources, such as PCs and the web, to TVs and stereos.

According to a new study by ABI research, video game consoles will lead this charge, making up 85 percent of the 184 million DMAs forecast to hit living rooms by 2012.

The advantage gaming consoles have over other devices is in lead time. Sony and Microsoft both have marketplaces set up selling media - and market share: The PS3 and Xbox 360 sell in large volumes.

Despite the lead, it's something cable companies and telecoms will likely pick up and deliver at a low cost to subscribers as the technology rises in popularity. Further, gamers have been slow to bite on their systems' media center capabilities.