1

Entertainment Networks

• The competitive landscape

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

2

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

Hybrid fiber cable (HFC) network

3

Linking distribution hubs to headends

4video, voice, and television

The Triple Play

5

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

6

Digital broadcasting with compression

7USDTV broadcasts. Figure courtesy of USDTV.

Broadcasters Use of Spare Digital Spectrum for Extra Revenue

8

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

10

Over the Air TV Broadcasts

Boston AffiliateChicago AffiliateLos Angeles Affiliate

ABC (Disney)

Nationwide Broadcaster

11

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

13

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

14

Multiple System Operators (MSOs) vs. Telcos

• Cable operators’ competitive advantages

• Telco strengths

• Regulatory issues– Local franchises– National legislation

15

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