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Introduction
Scope
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Glossary
About the Author
Index
Acronyms

Table of Contents:

Introduction ....................................................................................................vi
Scope..............................................................................................................vii
Chapter 1: Three Generations of Entertainment ........................................2
Generations of Users ........................................................................................3
Generations of Entertainment ............................................................................5
The Broadband Home .....................................................................................5
The Content Boom ..........................................................................................8
Online Content Availability ..............................................................................15
Broadband Paradise .......................................................................................16
Chapter 2: Home Entertainment Systems .................................................18
Totally Connected Homes ..............................................................................19
Emerging Entertainment Servers.......................................................................20
Home Networks.............................................................................................24
Controlling the Entertainment Server ...............................................................25
Living Room Convergence..............................................................................28
Chapter 3: Entertainment Server Evolution...............................................30
Delivering Content throughout the Home .........................................................31
Video Entertainment .......................................................................................31
Audio Entertainment........................................................................................34
Interactive Gaming .........................................................................................35
Internet Access ..............................................................................................37
Storage ..........................................................................................................38
Evolution of the Entertainment Server ..............................................................38
Convergence...................................................................................................41
Chapter 4: Home Entertainment Technology..............................................44
Networking and Electronics in Home Entertainment .........................................45
Storage ...........................................................................................................45
Semiconductors ...............................................................................................50
Home Networking ...........................................................................................53
Technology’s Relentless March.........................................................................54
Chapter 5: Televisions and Digital Televisions...........................................56
Bigger and Better Digital Televisions..................................................................57
Television Quality..............................................................................................57
Types of Televisions .........................................................................................61
Digital Television ..............................................................................................65
Digital Television Quagmire ..............................................................................68
Going Digital ....................................................................................................69
Chapter 6: Content Variety and Storage .....................................................70
Audio, Video, and Game Production ................................................................71
Video Production .............................................................................................72
Audio Production .............................................................................................73
Gaming Production ...........................................................................................74
Electronic Programming Guides.........................................................................74
Storing Content ................................................................................................75
Audio Storage...................................................................................................75
Video Storage ..................................................................................................76
Video Game Storage ........................................................................................77
Content Storage ...............................................................................................77
Cornucopia of Content .....................................................................................78
Chapter 7: Content Delivery Mechanisms ..................................................80
Fast Connections ..............................................................................................81
Content Delivery Networks ..............................................................................81
Radio Broadcast ..............................................................................................82
Television Broadcasts .......................................................................................83
Cable................................................................................................................85
Satellite ............................................................................................................85
Stores and Rentals ............................................................................................87
Mail ..................................................................................................................87
Internet .............................................................................................................88
Multiple Paths ...................................................................................................91
Chapter 8: Online Content Roadmap ............................................................92
Online Revolution ..............................................................................................93
File Sharing Obstacles .......................................................................................94
Technical Limitations..........................................................................................94
Digital Rights Management ................................................................................94
Payment Structures ...........................................................................................98
Commitment .....................................................................................................99
Online Growing Pains ......................................................................................100
Chapter 9: Broadband Entertainment Paradise ..........................................102
Networked Nirvana..........................................................................................103
Leading Factors ...............................................................................................104
The Fourth Generation .....................................................................................104
Business Possibilities.........................................................................................105
Stan’s Salvation ...............................................................................................113
References.....................................................................................................117
Appendix A: Audio Standards........................................................................120
Appendix B: Video Standards.......................................................................123
Appendix C: Broadband Links......................................................................129
Glossary ...........................................................................................................132
About the Author...............................................................................................141
Index ................................................................................................................143
Book Order Form ............................................................................................147
Acronyms .........................................................................................................152