January 9, 2004

The Networked Media Home: 2 Approaches In a report for CNN, Business 2.0 looks that the gadgets of this year’s Consumer Electronics Show this week in Los Vegas. The report states that while the theme of last year’s show was flat-screen displays and wireless networking this year it is integrated home-entertainment networks, the digital car, wearable tech, home-network devices, DVD recorders, and portable DVD players. In the field of integrated home-entertainment networks there seems to be two approaches. One proposed by Microsoft is to use the personal computer as the center of the home entertainment universe and use wired or wireless networks to link PCs running a special Media version of Windows XP to TVs, Xboxes, portable players and other devices. The second approach by companies such as TiVo, or Sony with the PSX in Japan is to have a specialize device situated near a TV to act as the entertainment hub. A combination of both approaches uses smaller PCs that can blend in with a user’s audio-video equipment. Such PCs may use Microsoft’s or others’ technology. I believe that the key to either approach is to keep the equipment open. A Microsoft or Sony based system that cannot accept third party equipment or software will prove unsuitable for use in the home as no one company can cover the entire range of capabilities that a user may desire. 12:37:44 AM