1 entertainment networks the competitive landscape lifestyle changes network evolutions the role of...

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Entertainment Networks

• The competitive landscape

• Lifestyle changes• Network evolutions• The role of regulations• Technological influences

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Two-way Internet access, improved reception, and added reliability.

Hybrid fiber cable (HFC) network

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Linking distribution hubs to headends

4video, voice, and television

The Triple Play

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The Evolution of Set-top Boxes

• What is their function?– Billing– Tuners– Security

• How have they changed?• Personal video recorders (PVRs)• Strategic advantages for cable companies

– Program guides– Home networks

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Digital broadcasting with compression

7USDTV broadcasts. Figure courtesy of USDTV.

Broadcasters Use of Spare Digital Spectrum for Extra Revenue

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Satellite TV

• Why does it cost less to operate satellite networks?

• The impact on cable TV operators

• Implications for the future

9Courtesy XM Satellite Radio

Satellite Digital Radio Broadcasts

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Over the Air TV Broadcasts

Boston AffiliateChicago AffiliateLos Angeles Affiliate

ABC (Disney)

Nationwide Broadcaster

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optical network unit (ONU)

A Passive Optical Network for Cable Television

12A passive optical network with optical network terminations (ONTs).

Fiber to the Home from Telcos

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Entertainment via the Internet

• The impact of Netflix

• Do people want to watch movies or TV reruns on their PCs? – Home networks

• What about on an i-Pods?

• Technological factors

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Multiple System Operators (MSOs) vs. Telcos

• Cable operators’ competitive advantages

• Telco strengths

• Regulatory issues– Local franchises– National legislation

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Summary

• A couch potato world?• The structure of cable TV networks compared to voice

and data networks– How are networks converging?

• Enabling technologies for video on demand– Fiber– Data storage– Faster processors– Compression