Personal computers and consumer electronics
Introduction
Personal computers have become a common electronic in homes. With the increase in technology and their use, there is need to have personal computers merged with consumer electronics like home audio, home theater and television. Furthermore, with the current technological advancements, there will begin to be functionality overlaps of these electronics. The overlaps will in turn enable convergence of computing, increased entertainment at homes and increased communication (Grant & Meadows, 2006). This can be made possible by using the personal computers as a server. The purpose of the server is to distribute both digital video and audio content. Merging of the personal computers and consumer electronics includes conversion technology which can be used to manipulate digital content. Since music electronics, videos and other consumer electronics are already presented in digital form, networking them together with personal computers can be made easy (Kanellos, 2000). This will then lead to constantly improving the performance of the electronics and networks.
Problem statement
In the current world of technology, there is an increase in the number of consumer electronics that are made to work with personal computers. However, though they may share some resources, it is not obvious that these consumer electronics will merge perfectly with the personal computers. Therefore, there needs to be a solution that allows the user to merge these electronics.
Solutions
To merge the consumer electronics with personal computers, the technology industry has to set standards that will enable them make electronics that allow merging and increasing their usage. Through the integration of consumer electronics and personal computers, home entertainment and its market is bound to be greatly impacted positively. A possible solution to merging personal computers and consumer electronics is the integration of Universal Serial Bus, USB, in all electronics. According to Grant & Meadows, (2006), the USB will enable communication between the consumer electronics and the personal computer which will be the host controller.Through the use of USB, there will be overlaps which will enable convergence of computing, communication and home entertainment with the personal computer acting as the server. As the server, the personal computer distributes digital content to these other electronics. The USB allows the consumer to connect other electronic to the personal computer easily (Shelly, Vermaat, & Quasney, 2009). It is a flexible system and in addition to that it can support many electronic connections at the same time. This could enable the delivery of all consumer electronics into a personal computer at home.
To further enhance merging of personal computers and consumer electronics, the electronics can be fixed with a digital wireless transmission. This can include the technology industry making wireless electronics for example speakers which are designed to enable the delivery of audio of quality in consumer electronics, from personal computers to different parts of the house. Therefore, consumer electronics can be placed at flexible positions within the homes. Automation of electronics at homes which comes with this merging is important since it leads to improved performance of consumer appliances for example better entertainment (Grant & Meadows, 2006).The technology development of USB and digital wireless transmission has various advantages to the consumer. Interfacing personal computers and other consumer electronic using USB is convenient since the USB flash drive will fit in most of the electronics and hence providing comfort as well. They also enable the storage of large volumes of information. By use of digital wireless transmission, interference is minimized, waves can be transmitted to a wider range and the data rates are also high (Shelly, Vermaat, & Quasney, 2009).
Barriers to implementation
Despite integration of personal computers and consumer electronics being advantageous in many ways, there are some barriers to the implementation of this. It is costly in terms of both money and time. This may lead to the discouragement of businesses since they are not assured of their returns based on the expenses that they incur during implementation. For those businesses which do not have well established markets, implementing such technology may not be economical. There can also be the fear of making losses once such technologies are implemented. For example, by use of USB, many electronics can be used with the personal computers at the same time. Therefore, there is limited business for other devices for example connection cards.
Conclusion
There is increased use of personal computers in homes today. They can be used for entertainment, or even to conduct businesses at home. To increase the effectiveness of home entertainment and communication, there is need to provide ways in which consumers can be able to merge personal computers and their home electronics (Grant, & Meadows, 2006). Merging is important since it also provides comfort to the consumers and prevents the use of too many appliances at home for example the use of too many wires which may also pose health risks in homes.
References
Grant, A.E & Meadows, J.H. (2006). Communication technology update. 10th Ed. USA: Focal Press.
Kanellos, M. (2000). PC powers gear up for consumer electronics market. Retrieved from: http://news.cnet.com/PC-powers-gear-up-for-consumer-electronics-market/2100-1040_3-248632.html. Accessed November 26, 2010.
Shelly, G.B. Vermaat, M.E. Quasney, J. (2009). Discovering Computers 2010: Living in a Digital World, Introductory. Stamford: Cengage Learning.
Is this your assignment or some part of it?
We can do it for you! Click to Order!
