Active Termination
One or more voltage regulators for terminating voltage (ensures a uniform signal level over the entire bus).

ActiveX-Controls
(or ActiveX Control Elements).
A set of interfaces that accesses Windows resources: small additional modules, called controls, that can be embedded in a program. The module concept was standardized by Microsoft and dubbed ActiveX (for example, there is a calendar element that provides programs standard calendar functions, eliminating the need of programming them on your own).

ADR
(Astra Digital Radio).
Transmission procedure for digital radio stations that have been broadcasting since 1995 via ASTRA satellites. It is based on the data compression procedure Musicam / MPEG-1. The data rate is 192 Kbit/s (including error correction 256 Kbit/s). In addition, 9.6 Kbit/s are used as overhead to transmit Radio Data Signals (RDS), conditional access (access control for Pay Radio) and other signaling data.

ADSL
(Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line).
"Asymmetric" form of DSL, in which data flows Downstream at a rate of >10 Mbit/s and Upstream at > 800 Kbit/s. Due to the different data rates involved, this form of data transmission is referred to as "asymmetric.".

Advanced Television Enhancement Forum
see ATVEF.

Aliasing
Distortion of video images (or other analog information) as a result of digitalizing analog information or processing information by digital means with an insufficiently small sampling rate (Sampling). To reproduce the information properly, the sampling rate must be at least twice as large as the resolution of the original.

Active Box
Loudspeaker box with built-in power amplifier or output amplifier (also for loudspeakers with separate amplifiers for high, middle and bass frequencies).

@
The commercial a - also referred to as the "at" sign. It has become a symbol recognized the world over as a separator in e-mail addresses.

ANSI
(American National Standards Institute).

Anti-aliasing
Suppressing the effects of Aliasing by filtering out rough, 'step-like' edges or by smoothing the edges by mixing colors to form transitions (interpolation).

API
(Application Programming Interface).
Software interface for user programs that allows programs to access the operating system or user interface resources.

APS
(Automatic Programming System).
Automatically assigns all receivable television stations to the TV's preset positions when the TV is switched on for the first time.

Architecture
In terms of data processing or information technology: general term for the structure of all parts of a computer system (hardware and software).

AIR
(Area Infra Red).
A proposed method of extending the IrDA standard. An increase in the angle of departure to 120° often eliminates the need for direct visual contact between the infrared transmitter and receiver. At the same time the range increases to approx. 8 metres. At such large distances, however, the maximum data rate is reduced from 4 Mbit/s to 250 Kbit/s.

ASCII
(American Standard Code for Information Interchange).
Internationally used code for letters of the alphabet, digits and special characters: a data format that allows text to be exchanged between computers having different operating systems. The original standard ASCII character set is based on a 7-bit code and has no special characters (ß, ö. ä. etc.) or formatting styles (bold, italics etc.). The introduction of an 8-bit code expanded the ASCII character set to include a number of special characters and block graphics symbols.

ASPI
(Advanced SCSI Programming Interface).
Standard for developing SCSI drivers. The ASPI manager ensures that all devices connected to the SCSI controller function properly.

Assistant
(also referred to as "Expert" or "Wizard").
A tool designed to helps users create programs (e.g. databases).

ATA
(AT-Attachment).
ANSI version of the IDE interface.

Atapi
(AT-Bus Attachment Packet Interface).
Interface for AT-Bus hard disk but also for CD-ROM drives or CD recorders that 'understand' the IDE controller.

ATVEF
(Advanced Television Enhancement Forum)
Consortium of hardware manufacturers and program vendors interested in creating a single standard from various procedures of interconnecting TV and Internet under the name ATVEF (Advanced Television Enhancement Forum). ATVEF is also aimed at the home-network market, particularly because the interfaces defined in the standards proposals call for controlling much more than TVs and computers.

Audiovision
Combination of sounds and images.

Backbone
High-speed cable - for example, within the Internet, that interconnects subnetworks. Online service providers or Internet providers are connected either directly or indirectly to a backbone.

Back-end
The "side" of a client/server program that supplies data (typically a database server (Front-End).

Bandwidth
The maximum, usable frequency range (measured in Hertz) available for transmitting data: often - although not quite correct - used as a synonym for the data transmission rate.

Bandwidth on Demand
A component in the DECT-MMAP standard that provides the required channel capacity - dependent on the current service and data load.

BCI
(BatiBUS Club International).
The BatiBUS is a bus system developed jointly by Merlin-Gerin, Airelec, EDF and Landis & Gyr for controlling heating systems, air conditioning, lighting and other functions in buildings. More than 80 participants in the field of building services management systems now belong to the BCI, which was formed in 1998 and is a member of the Konnex Association (KNX).

BLER
(Block Error Rate).
Number of data blocks, contained in one or more errors at the lowest level of error correction.

Bluetooth
The Bluetooth consortium (www.bluetooth.com) introduced the open Bluetooth standard 1.0. in 1999 led by the founding companies Ericsson, Nokia, Toshiba, IBM, and Intel.
A Bluetooth system comprises the following: radio components (transmitter/ receiver, the associated electronics), a link controller (for setting up communications, managing connections etc.), a link manager (for communicating with the terminal in which the Bluetooth module has been installed). Bluetooth devices automatically recognise one another and create an interconnected network. The data is transferred from one adapter to another at a carrier frequency of 2.4 GHz (ISM band). The signals do not have any preferred direction and therefore, in principle, can be received by any appliance. Bluetooth operates with spread spectrum modulation, combined with frequency hopping (1600 sudden frequency changes per second). Between 2.402 GHz and 2.480 GHz there are 79 useable hopping frequencies, each separated by 1 MHz. A distinctive ID plus data encoding ensure that units can only communicate with each other if this has been "authorised".
The maximum data rate is in the region of 750 kBit/s and the range is restricted to ten metres. However, the standard also allows for one hundred metres with increased transmitter power. The operating system has to satisfy certain requirements in order to fully exploit all the Bluetooth functions. These include the ability to recognise Bluetooth hardware, establish connections and perform secure data transmission. The first products to be equipped with Bluetooth hardware and software were introduced at the end of 1999. It is expected that by 2005 almost one billion such units utilising Bluetooth technology will be in circulation.

Bookmark
A bookmark allows the user to find previously accessed pages on the Web by saving the relevant addresses (URLs). WWW addresses can be saved with any Browser currently available.

BPI
(Bits per inch).
Describes the data density on magnetic media in bits per inch.

BPS
(Bits per Second).
A unit for measuring the data transmission rate, for example, the transmission path of a modem. The fastest modems operate today at 56,000 BPS. An ASCII letter consists of 8 bits; theoretically speaking, a 56-K modem can transfer 7,000 characters (nearly 2.5 pages of standard letter-size pages) per second.

Browser
Software/user graphic interface for navigating, searching/surfing in the information pages of online services such as the World Wide Web. Browsers allow the user to access and display pages or documents that were written in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). A browser also interprets mouse clicks on a Link.

Building automation
(home automation, residential system technology, residential wiring technology).
Describes the sum of all automating measures in buildings (including rented housing and private homes). Building automation makes it possible to control and regulate technical systems to ensure efficiency, primary energy savings, productivity and comfort.

Cache
A small, intermediate memory area for exchanging or transferring data, for example, between the hard disk and central processing unit. A cache accelerates hard disk access.

CALL
(terms from CTI):
Alternate call: allows the user to switch back and forth between two calls. Answer call: allows the user to take a call. Clear call: allows the user to terminate a call. Clear connection: allows the user to terminate an individual call. This service is required if the user wants to terminate a call to only one conference participant within a telephone conference. Consultation call: allows the user to consult (call) a third party while the second party is still on the line. Conference call: allows the user to converse with several parties on one line. The maximum number of conference members are limited by the PBX. Deflect call: forwarding an incoming call without having to actually answer the call. Make call: enables the user to set up a call. Make predictive call: a user program transfers one or more call numbers to the PBX. The PBX sets up the connection automatically but does not place the call to the extension until the party called has lifted the receiver. This function is only useful if the extension is in an ACD group, otherwise there is no guarantee that the call made will be answered. Monitor device: A PBX is requested to forward all events at a particular extension (device) to a file server. A caller with the number XXX-XXXX is assigned the to the extension. Retrieve call: a caller has parked his call and terminates his current call. Retrieve call makes it possible to return to the first caller. Transfer call: allows the user to forward a call to another phone.

CASS
(Conditional Access Sub-System).
System of access authorization to (digital) TV and radio services that can only be descrambled (Descrambling), i.e. viewed or heard, for certain user groups or if a service fee has been paid.

CCIR
(Comité Consultatif Internationale des Radiocommunications).
International consultative committee for radio and TV standards.

CCITT
(Comité Consultatif Internationale de Telegraphie et Telephonie).
An international consultative committee for international telecommunication protocol standards.

CEBus
(Consumer Electronics Bus).
A home networks communications standard, developed by the Electronics Industry Association (EIA) and the Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association (CEMA). A home automation standard commonly used in the USA . Transmits data via Powerline and via radio link, using frequencies which in Europe are occupied by other services.

CECED
(European Committee of Domestic Equipment Manufacturers), based in Brussels .

Chain
(CECED Home Appliances Inter-operating Network).
The European Committee of Domestic Equipment Manufacturers (CECED) has developed a communications standard for electrical household appliances in the home automation (smart home) sector. Initiated the "smart home" concept and developed a standard protocol for operating home automation systems. The CHAIN platform defines the data exchange protocol for networked appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dishwashers, kitchen ovens, regardless of the manufacturer. It enables control and monitoring of key functions, e.g. remote control of devices, energy management, fault finding, automatic maintenance, or program updates and access to services via the internet. A certificate guarantees buyers that the product supports this common standard, and that the entire range of a device's capabilities can still be used even when it is hooked up to a network. Communications inside the home are either by radio or the house's electrical system, which means that no changes to the building itself are necessary. Ideally it should be possible for users or suppliers to install the systems without any need for specialist help.

Chip
Term for complex, integrated circuits that can contain several hundred thousand semi-conductor circuits (transistor/diodes etc.). By creating structures as small as one thousandth of a millimeter, higher levels of integration can be achieved.

Client/Server
Databases in a network are often administered from a central location by a server. Client software installed on the user's computer retrieves required data from the server.

Common Interface
An interface specified by DVB, e.g. as PCMCIA interface in Set-Top boxes for connecting a Conditional Access Module. This enables the user to add a decoder module to a generic set-top box with a common interface for receiving the services/programs offered by a Pay-TV provider.

Conditional Access
In the framework of the European project DVB, a European transmission standard, DVB/MPEG-2, was passed. There are various systems (e.g. Irdeto, Beta, Conax, Cryptoworks, Seca, Syster Digital, Viaccess) used in Europe for the additional encoding required by Pay-TV channels (Conditional Access, CASS).

Convergence devices
It is barely yesterday that a mobile telephone's only use was for making phone calls. Nowadays it can double as a digital camera, a radio, an MP3 player, or a game console: a device where functions converge within the product.

Convergence systems
Numerous decentralised devices swap data via a network, i.e. convergence within the network.

Constraints
Logical rules stored in a database. These rules check certain conditions at the table level, for example, whether a particular range of values was violated for numerical fields.

Cookies
Small files that are sent from a Web site to the user's Web browser and then stored on the user's hard disk. When the user returns to the Web site, the Web browser sends the information back to this site. This allows the user, for example, to display individualized elements that appear as soon as the URL is selected.

CRC
(Cyclical Redundancy Check).
Check sum for correcting errors occurring during data transmission.

CTI
(Computer-Telefon-Integration).
Describes the integration of telephones and computers. This enables solutions that go far beyond the limitations of a standard telephone. A classic example is using a telephone in combination with a PC database. CALL. (call commands).
Bezeichnet eine Einheit von Telefon und Computer. Dadurch sind viele Lösungen möglich, die mit einem Telefon allein nicht zu bewerkstelligen sind. Die Benutzung eines Telefons in Verbindung mit einer PC-Datenbank ist eine klassische CTI-Funktion. CALL. (Call-Befehle).

Cyberspace
A term coined by William Gibson in his novel Neuromancer published in 1984. Today, it describes digital communications and Internet data space.

DAB
(Digital Audio Broadcasting).
System for digital terrestrial transmission of radio and multimedia data services. The MUSICAM system is used for data compression - from 1.411 Mbit/s to 192 Kbit/s.

Data Dictionary
Area of memory in which all information on a database and the accompanying programs are stored and managed. This includes information on tables, triggers, constraints, relations and indices.

Database
A term with several meanings: refers to a DBMS (Database Management System) as well as a file that contains, for example, customer addresses or other data. A database can combine several Tables into one file. Often only one table is allowed per database file for PC databases. In this case, the user can still create a link to other tables from various files (Referential integrity).

Datacast
Heading used for data services (e.g. IP Datacast) broadcast by radio stations.

Data throughput
(net data transfer rate)
Data transfer rate of net data in cps (characters per second), minus redundant data for correcting errors and delimiting data blocks, e.g. Header).

Data header
Data structure occurring at the start of a data packet (see Header).

Data packet
Data is generally transmitted within networks in the form of data packets. These packets contain the Header, the actual data (user data) and redundant data (CRC) for error correction on the receiving end.

Data transfer rate
(also referred to as the 'data rate').
This indicates the quantity of data transferred per unit of time in bit/s (bits per second).

Data record
Combines all the data for a specific table entry into a logical entity. Using a file-card box as an analogy, a record would be the equivalent of one file card.

DECT
(Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication).
The cordless telephone represents the most common application of DECT standards. Wireless, digital communication DECT-MMAP operating at ISDN speed (64 Kbit/s) or faster is growing in significance. The effective radiated power specified for DECT of 250 mW provides an effective range of up to 50m in buildings and 300m outdoors. The voice signal is 32 Kbit/s. Germany uses the 1.9 GHz band, whereas other frequencies between 1 an 10 GHz, commonly between 1.5 and 3.6 GHz, are also used. The access method used by DECT known as TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access, time multiplex) allows up to 100,000 simultaneous users in a single cell.

DECT-MMAP
(DECT-Multimedia Access Profile).
A further development of the DECT standard as a "virtual cable" for mobile data devices; typically used for wireless Internet or Intranet access within the transmission range of the base station with data rates of up to 2 Mbit/s. The most important DECT-MMAP features include Service Negotiation, Dynamic Resource Management and Bandwidth on Demand.

Descrambling
(also decryption).
The reconstruction of encrypted TV programs. Usually a chip or module in a television set or peripheral device (decoder/descrambler). Pay-TV, Encryption,

Digital Video Broadcasting
DVB.

DiSEqC
(Digital Satellite Equipment Control).
System for controlling satellite receiver equipment. Conventional satellite equipment uses a 14/18 volt switching voltage to switch between polarization levels (horizontal or vertical). An additional 22-kHz frequency on the input voltage line signals the direction of the satellite antenna to specific orbit positions. In contrast, DiSEqC uses a universal control concept, since the 22-kHz signal not only switches equipment on and off but also samples frequencies. This allows a number of commands (including polarization switching) to be transmitted within the DiSEqC system. DiSEqC level 2 also features bi-directional communication. Thus, the satellite receiver sends commands to the peripheral components capable of logging on to the receiver: Plug & Play in satellite receiver technology.

Domain
In an Internet address, the domain names separated by dots are listed according to the protocol and service (e.g. "http://www"). An example is "ehome-berlin" (sub-domain) and "de" (top-level-domain). The top-level domain can contain a country code ("de" for Germany) or an abbreviation indicating the type of server (for example, com for commercial companies, org for organizations or edu for universities).

Domotik
Widespread industry solution designed to connect Bosch products (security, telecommunications, household appliances, heating systems, etc.) by means of an integrated residential wiring system. All electrically controlled devices are networked via the European Installation Bus (EIB) and controlled by a multimedia PC. Domotik can also be operated with the HomeAssistant multimedia program used for entering the various functions. HomeAssistant runs on standard multimedia PCs. The user-friendly graphic interface is to a large extent self-explanatory.

Download
Information (e.g. PDF files) or programs can be copied from a server (e.g. from the Internet) to the computer's hard disk or other data media. Common examples of downloaded data include drivers for hardware components or updates for software applications.

Downstream
The flow of data from server to client or from supplier/provider to subscriber/customer. Opposite of upstream.

Dropout
Error (on the magnetic coating of a magnetic tape or on other magnetic media) caused by dirt or surface damage. Dropouts can cause - depending on their size and severity - read errors or data loss.

DSL
(Digital Subscript Line).
General description (also referred to as "xDSL") for high-speed, broadband data transmission over copper wires (i.e. "twisted pair" cables), ADSL, HDSL.

DVB
(Digital Video Broadcasting).

Originally the European Launching Group (ELG) in 1991, the DVB project was founded in 1993. Currently it comprises approximately 200 companies, institutes and organisations ? device manufacturers, broadcasters, network operators, research institutes and local authorities in numerous countries. It is ?the DVB's responsibility to coordinate joint development of systems and standards to enable Europe-wide reception of digital television via satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcasting. The project itself has no financial backing of any note and is supported exclusively by membership contributions?. Although initially first and foremost a European project, currently there are several non-European companies affiliated to the DVB, including from Japan , South Korea , Canada and the USA . As use of DVB technology is not only confined to digital TV and radio broadcasting, it doubles as a virtually universal data highway for applications requiring data transfer rates of up to 36 Mbit/s. It has been suggested to change Digital Video Broadcasting into Digital Versatile Broadcasting. DVB standards include:

DVB-S System for broadcasting via satellite in the 11/12 GHz band; can be configured for various transponder bandwidths and capabilities. Modulation is by QPSK, (Quadrature Phase Shift Keying): At a constant amplitude the frequency signal can accept four phases, each of which transmits 2-bit units of information (bandwidth efficiency equal to 2 bit/s/hs).

DVB-C A DVB-S compatible standard for transmitting digital programs or services via cable. In order to be able to transmit satellite data using a standard cable bandwidth (8MHz) transcoding of QPSK to 64-QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation with a bandwidth efficiency rate of [64 = 2 6 ] 6 Bit/s/Hz) is required.

DVB-CS A standard which is compatible with DVB-C or DVB-S for cable or satellite-assisted reception of DVB signals using common antenna.

DVB-H ?H? is for "hand-held". Due to the relatively high power input required by DVB-T receivers and a DVB-T Data transfer rate which is unsuitable for minor displays (mobile telephones or #PDA#s), DVB-H transmits at a rate optimised for reception by displays with a pixel resolution equal to 360 x 288. DVB-H transmits streaming videos using an adapted version of MPEG4.

thousand sub-volumes, each of which is modulated by part of the data stream.

DVB-MS (Digital Multipoint Video Distribution System = MVDS) uses microwaves for transmitting a large number of TV channels by terrestrial means directly to the viewer. Microwaves are bundled and transmitted to reception antenna within 'view' of the broadcasting antenna. Despite being a terrestrial transmission technique, DVB-MS specifications are based on DVB-S. Thus DVB-MS signals can be received by standard DVB satellite receivers using small roof antenna, only instead of an LNC (Low Noise Converter), an MVDS frequency converter is required.

DVB-MC MVDS specification (Microwave Multipoint Distribution Systems) for frequencies below 10 GHz. This technique, employed in terrestrial transmissions, is based on standards defined by DVB for digital cable transmissions (DVB-C) and uses similarly equipped receivers/decoders.

(DVB-MS and DVB-MC are also known as ?specifications for wireless broadband cables ?).

DVB-SI Service Information System, for transmitting data within a transport data stream. Uses include auto configuring DVB decoders ('settop box'), designing the user interface and identifying programs or services.

DVB-TXT DVB specification for videotext transmissions (in special data packets).

DVB-CI DVB 'Common Interface' ? common interface for conditional access and other applications.

DVB-Subtitling Tools for subtitling and displaying graphics.

DVB-RCC Specification for interactive channels (bi-directional channels) in broadband cable networks.

DVB-RTC Specification for interactive channels (return channels) by telephone and ISDN.

DVB-NIP Network-independent interactive mode protocols (protocols which enable data stream communications).

DVB-IPN DVB/ telecommunications interface.

Additional specifications and techniques are currently under development, notably in the following areas: data radio transmissions via DVB, synchronising Single Frequency Networks, DVB/ ATM/ SDH network interfaces, DVB-based Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG), bi-directional communications in GGA and terrestrial networks, networking DVB terminal devices, and incorporating HDTV into DVB.

DVB developments
Further specifications and procedures are in preparation or being developed for data radio via DVB, synchronization of single-frequency-networks, interfaces between the DVB world and ATM or SDH networks, Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG) based on DVB, bi-directional communication in GGA and terrestrial networks, networking DVB terminal equipment, integration of HDTV and DVB.

Dynamic Resource Management
frequency-economic adaptation of the channel bandwidth to the current traffic load DECT-MMAP.

ECC
(Error Correction Code).
Redundant data that helps detect errors and eliminate them through recalculation. hardware error correction for hard disks that takes place while the data is being transferred. ECC, On the fly.

ECMA
(European Computer Manufacteres Assoiation).
Association of computer manufacturers with the goal of defining common standards.

EDO-RAM
('Extended Data Out' RAM)
Fast computer memory.

EHS
European Home System.

EIB
European Installation Bus.

EIBA
(European Installations Bus Association).
The EIB-Association, is a widespread manufacturer association dedicated to establishing the EIB standard. Over 100 manufacturers and more than 8,000 licensers throughout Europe offer nearly 5,000 EIB components.

E-IDE
(Enhanced Integrated Drive Electronics).
Advanced development of the IDE standard offering higher data transfer rates and support for newer drives.

e-Mail
Electronic messages that can be quickly sent throughout the world via Internet or other networks. E-mail is one of the most frequently used applications in the Internet. In addition to text, multimedia data can be sent as an "attachment."

ESPRIT
European Strategic Program for Research and Development of Information Technology.

Ethernet
Technology for local networks based on the CSMA/CD protocol. In conjunction with IEEE 802.3, data rates of up to 10 Mbit/s can be achieved. The new IEEE standard 802.3ae slated for ratification by 2002 allows for data rates up to 10 Gbit/s.

European Home System
(EHS)
EHS was created under the auspices of the EU project ESPRIT (European Strategic Program for Research and Development of Information Technology). It uses electrical wiring as the installation bus and offers a data throughput of up to 2.4 Kbit/s. A separate two-wired cable can also be used instead of an electrical cable. This increases the potential data throughput to a max. of 48 Kbit/s. EHS and EIB are to be united into a common standard.

European Installation Bus
(EIB)

Network technology for residential wiring. EIB is designed for two-wire cable only. EIB versions for electrical cables as well as wireless systems for radio and infrared - as a functional prototype - have recently become available. The Siemens "Instabus" complies with the guidelines of the EIB standard as well as Domotik developed by Bosch. The version EIB.net can also use normal data networks in accordance with IEEE 802.2 with transfer rates of up to Ethernet 10 Mbit/s. The extension EIB.net 'i' allows forwarding, for example via the normal IP router and thus the EIB connection via the Internet. Maximum EIB data transfer rate is 9.6 Kbit/s.

Eutelsat
(European Telkommunikation Satellite Organisation)
A European agency founded in Paris in 1977 for managing satellite communication services.

Extranet
Segment of the Intranet which can be accessed by authorized third parties (e.g. customers or suppliers). It uses Internet technology to establish communications between various company locations.

FAQ
(Frequently Asked Questions, "häufig gestellte Fragen").
Many Homepages and nearly all Newsgroups offer FAQ lists to answer questions frequently asked by users. To save time, it is often sufficient to refer to the list of FAQs to determine whether specific questions have already been answered.

Fast-SCSI
Transmission protocol compliant with SCSI-2 that allows data transmission of up to 10 Mbyte/s on a 8-bit bus.

FAT
(File allocation table) [Data medium].
The data table at the beginning of a partition used in operating systems such as DOS and Windows 95/98. The data table stores the information on where files are located on the disk.

Field
The smallest unit in a Record. Each field has a specific data type which contains, for example, text, dates, currencies etc.

File allocation table
see FAT.

Firewall
Protects local networks from unauthorized access by intruders on the Internet.

FireWire
see IEEE 1394.

FireWire800
see IEEE 1394b.

Firmware
Operation code stored in ROM, e.g. for controlling a hard disk. Can be upgraded.

Frame
Frames make it possible to divide the Browser window into several sections and independently configure and control their contents. Thus, a fixed menu can be shown in one frame while scrolling text, images or animations can be displayed in another.

Free-TV
Unencoded (supported by licence fees or advertising) and hence ?free' TV broadcasts, in contrast to 'Pay-TV'.

Front-End
The part of an application used to access a database (opposite of Back-end).

Full-duplex
Transmission protocol for the simultaneous transfer of data and signals in both directions.

GIF
(Graphic Interchange Format)

gfu
(Gesellschaft für Unterhaltungs- und Kommunikationselektronik, German Association for Entertainment and Communications Electronics).Organisers of the Consumer Electronics Exhibition (IFA) and co-organisers of the e/home in Berlin .

HAVi
(Home Audio-Video Interoperatibility).
The goal of the HAVi consortiums (Grundig, Hitachi, Matsushita (Panasonic), Philips, Sharp, Sony, Thomson und Toshiba ) is the development of a home network architecture for the (consumer) electronics and multimedia industries. Philips represents the eight companies as a primary contact for licensing issues.
According to the HAVi version 1.0b standards (can be downloaded as a PDF file from www.havi.org), user programs are capable of detecting and controlling HAVi-compatible equipment from different manufacturers. These programs can also control individual components within various systems independent of their physical location. The HAVi standards refer to a IEEE 1394-supported, digital AV-environment. The key specifications include components used for exchanging messages and events via IEEE1394, the registration and detection of device capabilities via the network and the management of digital AV streams and devices.
Available features include a security system for virus protection, a component that supports functions such as pre-programmed (audio/video/data) recording as well as standard programming interfaces for controlling equipment functions.

HDSL
(High data rate DSL)
Transmission procedure capable of a transmission rate of 1,544 ->Kbit/s (T1) or with 2,048 ->Kbit/s (E1) with pulse-code modulation via dual copper wires.

HDTV
(High Density TeleVision).
High-resolution television (i.e. doubled horizontal and vertical resolution).

Header
Contains information about the type and/or meaning and/or structure of the subsequent data packet. Since the header forms the beginning of a data packet, it can also be used to mark the end of the previous data structure.

High-speed internet
(data transfer up to 1024 kbit/s).
Satellite internet access operating within range of Astra. This satellite not only guarantees basic broadband access throughout Europe , its purpose is also to bridge the ?digital gap? between urban and rural areas. Via Astra, several telecommunications and service providers are able to offer high-speed internet access, priced accordingly on the basis of speed and performance. Depending on the provider and reception area Astra can supply both hybrid and (outbound channel to the satellite, inbound via modem) and bi-directional broadband solutions. Services and tariffs offer data transfer rates of 256 kbit/s to 1024 kbit/s and higher.

HIOP
(Home Interoperability). Settop boxes represent a link between digital TV services and television sets. HIOP is a concept developed by Nokia which assigns their ?Mediamaster? settop boxes functions linking additional services and networks. Enables wireless communications between a TV (for example) and digital cameras, broadband modems, mobile telephones, personal computers and home cinema/ home theatre. In essence, HIOP enables interaction and interoperability between Mediamaster products and other devices in the home.

HiperLAN
(High Performance Radio Local Area Network, High Performance Radio Mobility in LANs).
European ETSI standard wireless local area networks. Based on the assumption that wireless LANs will expand or replace hard-wired LANs, HiperLAN specifications are designed to be compatible with the architecture of existing LAN hierarchies. A similar standard (IEEE 802.11) has been developed in the USA . HiperLAN Type 1 stipulates a wireless Ethernet with data transfer rates of approx. 20Mbit/s in the 5 GHz band. HiperLAN Type 2 is a European standard for short-range broadband radio communications (up to 100 metres) with data transfer rates of up to 54 Mbit/s and also operates in the 5 GHz band. Typical applications are: wireless communications inside corporate buildings, i.e. the business environment, and wireless networking of consumer electronics devices or computers and peripheral devices in private households, i.e. the home environment for communicating multimedia (audio/video, text/data). The idea is for HiperLAN2 to be able to work with the mobile telephony standard GSM as a WAN (Wide Area Network) and with Bluetooth as a PAN (Personal Area Network). HiperLAN supports data packet transmissions via multiple substations and transmission of synchronous as well as asynchronous data packets. Devices compatible with HiperLAN operate between 5.15 GHz and 5.3 GHz. In the future, the intention is to be able to use the 17.1 GHz to 17.3 GHz range for carrier frequencies as well.

Home Automation
Building automation. .

Home-Banking
Online banking, for example, enabling balances to be checked or transfers to be made, at any time of day or night.

Homepage
Starter page on a website. Usually provides an overview and links to other areas of the site.

Home Phoneline Networking Alliance
Consortium promoting the use of telephone lines for data transfers of up to 10 megabits per second without restricting parallel telephone usage (members: AMD, Compaq, 3COM, IBM, Intel and Lucent).

HomeRF
A wire-less local network making use of two protocols: DECT for four speech channels and IEEE 802.11 for data.

Home-Shopping
A service that enables users to shop online from home, browse catalogues, compare products from various suppliers on the screen and subsequently to order them by clicking on a mouse or by telephone.

HomeWay
Multimedia cabling system offered by Corning for apartments, houses and home-offices. The system requires only one cable and a universal wall receptacle for telephone, fax, PC, TV, home automation and multimedia programs. The multimedia cabling system consists of a control center, a broadband cable and a standard wall socket.
All external wiring is connected to the control center. A broadband cable networks all rooms, and the wall socket provides connections for multimedia terminal devices. In terms of design, the sockets are tailored to the various switch programs. Their modular structure ensures that all services are available at any point in the residence. The inserts can be easily replaced if the socket is to be used in another way, for example, for a cable TV connection in another room. An integrated component of HomeWay is home automation based on the already available Instabus EIB (European Instabus). HomeWay also meets the specifications recommended by major providers including ASTRA, Deutsche Telekom and property management .

HTML
Abbreviation for "Hypertext Markup Language" - the language of the World Wide Web. HTML makes it possible for documents to appear virtually identical on all computer systems regardless of the software and hardware used. A voluntary consortium (W3) regularly proposes new standards to maintain this compatibility.

HTTP
(Hyper Text Transfer Protocol)
The Protocol regulates the transmission of hypertext files on the Internet. HTTP is the foundation for transmitting HTML pages on the Web.

Hyperband
In the service channel network, the frequency used for distributing TV stations (300 - 470 MHz). It is the range of choice for digital transmissions according to DVB-C.

IEEE
(Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engeneers).

IEEE 1394
IEEE standard for high-speed data transfer in a LAN. This standard is also used in home networks (HAVi). Depending on the version the Data transfer rate it can be 100, 200, 400 or (see Firewire 800) 800 Mbit/s. Originally developed by Apple as a P-1394 bus, under its subsequent designation IEEE 1394/1995 (firewire) it became an industry standard in 1995. In 1997 Sony introduced their "i.Link" logo to identify standard IEEE-1394 interfaces.

IEEE 1394b
(? Firewire 800?). At 800 Mbit/s Firewire 800 (IEEE 1394b) enables data to be transferred at a maximum of twice the speed of IEEE 1394. Using CAT5, glass-fibre and other types of cable, data can be transmitted to points up to 100 metres away.

IEEE 802.11
In mid-2003 IEEE 802.11g was officially approved. This enables Wireless LAN data transfer rates to reach a maximum of 54 MBit/s in the 2.4 GHz band. This standard is downward-compatible as far as 802.11b and 802.11a.

IES
see Integrated Reception System..

IMode
Originally from Japan, iMode has now also been introduced into Germany by the mobile phone network E-Plus, and transmits special internet content onto the display of specially equipped mobile telephones. iMode uses the programming language cHTML (compact HTML), which makes use of elements of HTML, used to set up internet pages.

Infranet
Communication structure for networking equipment in the household or in other applications such as petrol stations, restaurants, medicinal technology or agriculture (a supplement to Internet and Intranet).

Integrated Reception System
(IES)
With the structure of the IES - promoted by the satellite operator ASTRA and, for example, implemented by WISI - existing distributor and communication structures (cable, terrestrial systems, telephone) can be supplemented through community Sat-reception. The accompanying wall socket combines antennas and telephone connections.

Intelligent Home
(Intelligent Home, Smart Home, Digital Home, Networked House).
House or apartment with a cabled or wireless intelligent network used to control signals for Building automation or transmit multimedia signals. The forerunners of today's modern concepts: Professor Ken Sakamura's Tron house in Tokyo in the 80's and Chriet Titulaer's Huis van de Toekomst in Rosmalen (Holland).

Intelsat
(International Telecommunications Satellite Organisation)
An organization of over 150 member countries promoting intercontinental telecommunications via satellite.

Interleave / Interleaving
1. Multi-level, interleaved storage of user data for simplifying error correction. Interleaving is also used for digital television (DVB) as a means of splitting code. Bytes from a defined number of successive data packets are selected in memory in such a way that the successive bytes originate from various data packets. Through this interleaving, which is reversed in the receiver, transmission errors that have corrupted a longer section of the digital data stream, are parsed into single errors that are easier to correct.
2. Arranging the sectors in a similar way on a hard disk cylinder.

Internet
Worldwide conglomeration of data networks. Initially intended for military use, the Internet was increasingly used for exchanging research data among universities and institutes. Today, online service providers and network providers have made the Internet available to everyone.

Intranet
Internal (corporate) network using Internet technology such as TCP/IP.

IP
(Internet Protokol), TCP/IP

IP adress
Address of a single computer in the Internet. The IP address consists of four numbers from 0 to 255, each separated by dots (example: 123.27.1.155). In order to make this system more practical for users, IP addresses are converted into alphanumeric names.

iPronto
iPronto by Philips is a multimedia pad addition to the Pronto range of intelligent touchscreen remote controls: iPronto not only controls home cinema audio/video components but also numerous electronic devices. iPronto can also access the internet via a Wireless Lan (WLAN), in order for example to request TV schedules. iPronto is a compact multimedia pad with a 16 cm, high-resolution touchscreen colour display. Keys next to the screen enable quick and easy access to important functions. A wheel and a small pen make it easy to navigate through the menus and to use the touchscreen. iPronto is equipped with a web browser and can thus be used as a small web pad. Using a WiFi network (IEEE 802.11b) iPronto allows its user to surf on the internet and collect e-mails.

inHaus-Zentrum Duisburg
Starting out with the basic idea of integrating internet technologies into an open system, the inHaus-Zentrum has developed, successfully tested, and through its business partners has also marketed product and system solutions for the smart, networked home. With the "inHaus-Zentrum für intelligente Haussysteme" in Duisburg and the "Informationslogistikzentrum für Smart Services" in Dortmund , in collaboration with its business partners in Northrhine-Westphalia the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft has succeeded in bringing together high levels of expertise (SmarterWohnenNRW).

ISDN
(Integrated Service Digital Network).
A digital network that integrates several different services.

IRC
(Internet Relay Chat).
A communication platform that allows users to synchronously communicate (chat) with other IRC users online via keyboard.

IRC-Op
IRC operators who administrate the IRC servers on an international level. These operators have access to additional commands unavailable to normal users.

IRD
(Integrated Receiver/Decoder).
Receiver/Decoder unit for digital data or TV services. IRD describes the same device know internationally as "Set-Top box", "Digital Decoder".

IrDA
A wire-less, point-to-point, infrared-based connection. This attains a maximum data rate of 4 Mbit/s with a maximum range of 1.5 m. To enable communication between units they must be within sight of one another and the angle of sight along the centre axis may not exceed 15°.

ISAPI
(Internet Server API).
Programming interface for Internet server programs that use the Microsoft Internet Information Server (MIIS) in conjunction with Windows NT.

ISM-Band
(Industrial, Science, Medical).
A frequency range of 2400-2483.5 MHz, which is reserved for industrial, scientific and medical applications. Also used for short distance radio networks (Wire-lessLAN, Bluetooth).

Java
Full network capable, object oriented and platform-independent programming language used to create Web-independent programs (developed by Sun Microsystems).

Javascript
Programming language (not the same as Java) which expands the possibilities of HTML. JavaScript allows the user to integrate functions such as graphic effects, animated menus, ticker tapes etc. in Web pages (developed by Netscape).

JINI
(Java Intelligent Network Infrastructure).
Sun Microsystems introduced JINI technology in the summer of 1998. It is based on Java and can "spontaneously" network connected devices. In other words, devices that are dynamically connected to the network are immediately detected throughout the entire network.
JINI regulates the communication between computers and other devices in the network and allows peripherals to be connected to the network without special configurations and used immediately. The self-identifying devices transmit their technical specifications and eliminate the need the for "manual" driver selection. In contrast to Ethernet systems, JINI automatically allocates resources.

JPEG
(Joint Photographic Experts Group).
One of the most popular graphic formats. The JPEG format frequently used in digital photography compresses large or color-intensive pictures to a fraction of their original size. This reduces storage requirements and file transfer time (i.e. on the Internet).

Konnex
(Konnex Association, abbreviated: KNX).
An association of equipment manufacturers, service providers and other companies and institutions with an interest in home automation/building services management systems. Konnex links the resources of EIB (European Installation Bus), EHSA (European Home Systems Association) and BCI (Batibus Club International).

Lag
The delay caused by high traffic congestion or other overloading between IRC servers or Internet provider sites resulting in slow communications.

Lancaster

A multimedia video/TV Server-solution by TerraTec Electronics: Lancaster IF 701 functions as an intelligent control centre and Lancaster HD 701 as a modular data storage medium. Lancaster DV 701 is used to receive digital TV and radio signals and Lancaster AV 701 receives analogue TV. The entire Lancaster system was to be available through retailers as of summer 2003. Its ability to link various components via Ethernet considerably enhances its capabilities within the household. Optionally, a PC or notebook can be incorporated, opening up a wider range of possibilities for recording and listening to/ viewing media content and for controlling system functions.

LCN
Local Control Network.

Link
In the World Wide Web, a link allows the user to branch from one Web page to another. Links are usually displayed as underlined text on HTML pages. Clicking these links makes it possible to "surf" the World Wide Web.

LNS
(LonWorks Network Services).
LNS allows the user to integrate LON systems into the Internet and Ethernet installations via gateways.

Local Control Network
(LCN)
An installation bus developed by Issendorff GmbH for residential and functional buildings. Conventional installation elements such as switches, pushbuttons, sensors etc. are replaced or supplemented by "intelligent" modules. All modules in the building are connected to an additional wire in the installation cable (actually a 4-wire electrical cable that uses an added wire as a data channel). The data transfer rate is 9.6 Kbit/s.

LON
(Local Operating Network)
see LonWorks

LonWorks
Originally developed by the Echelon Corporation (Palo Alto, California) for production control systems, according to its inventors the world's most widely used field bus system in home automation (places of note in Germany where such a system has been installed: the Reichstag and the Debis admin building, both in Berlin). This technology was developed in 1988 and introduced onto the German market in 1991. Within a LON (Local Operating Network) each bus user (network node) has a microprocessor, a so-called neuron processor. Each network node operates on its own and only communicates with other network nodes if required. A LON uses two wires, coaxial cable, household electrical connections or wireless radio to communicate. Depending on the distance to be bridged the data transfer rate can range from 10 kBit/s (household wiring) to a theoretical maximum of 1.2 Mbit/s (1,200,000 bits). According to the press, as a result of collaboration with the internet specialists Cisco, incorporation into existing data networks has already made great advances. With LNS (LonWorks Network Services) and via gateways, LON systems can be incorporated into ethernet installations and the internet.

LonWorks Network Services
LNS.

Lookup-Service
(also known as "spontaneous networking" because each device is detected immediately as soon as it is connected to the network). A component of the JINI system architecture that registers every active JINI device in the network together with its technical characteristics in a table and makes it available to authorized users (example: a handheld computer that has been registered in the look-up service detects available printers, free memory space on a hard disk in a desktop computer, or an Internet connection).

Media center

Windows XP Media Center Edition is based on Microsoft's operating system Windows XP Professional. Correspondingly equipped ?Media Center PCs? combine digital media in a single device: TV, personal video recordings, music, images, videos and DVD, plus connections to a TV set and stereo system. The user interface is designed to enable remote control from TV viewing distances.

Message
Messages or Private Messages refers to messages sent to one or more IRC participants. These messages can only be read by the recipient and the sender.

MHP
see Multimedia Home Platform.

Micro-payments
Penny payments. Transaction costs must necessarily be less than e.g. for credit cards.

Microwaves
Frequencies in the range above 3 GHz (Gigahertz = billion Hertz). Microwaves can also be used to distribute digital TV services and are sometimes referred to as "wireless cable."

Middleware

Software layer between the transfer network and applications (for example for identification, access, security, information exchange or authentification).

Miele@Home

The core component of "Miele@Home" is a central control unit in the home for controlling devices and managing external communications. Operation is by touchscreen functions on a flatscreen monitor located in the kitchen. The computer to which it is connected is hidden from view, for example inside a cupboard. This "family terminal" acts as the control centre for all electronic household appliances. Miele@Home's capabilities by far exceed mere monitoring and control.

MPEG
(Motion Picture Experts Group).
A common workgroup - Working Group 11 (WG11), also known as the international MPEG laboratory - of the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). MPEG was founded in 1988 by over one hundred companies to negotiate proposals and define standards in specific expert groups (requirement or system groups).

MR Head
(Magneto-resistive Head).
Read/write head for hard disks which due to magneto-resistive elements produces high signal levels when reading data on a storage medium.

Multi Channel Feed
Data compression, encoding and modulation processes are optimized for minimum bandwidths in Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) resulting in a relatively large number of transmission channels. This is why a program can be transmitted over several channels from several cameras simultaneously. Viewers can view the event from a selected camera angle (and not necessarily from the perspective of the director). Typical applications include simultaneous broadcasts of Formula 1 racing events from inside different vehicles, from a helicopter or from the pit lanes. Symbols displayed on the screen show the viewer which button to press and which perspective will be shown.

Multimedia Home Plattform
(MHP)
The software package MHP is an open-end technical solution designed to combine with all the latest multimedia applications operating under DVB standards (digital TV). MHP brings TV and the internet, TV and the computer together, in essence a common system for all services. By developing MHP, the DVB project has created a common standard for software interfaces (Application Programming Interface, API) in universally deployable DVB receivers. Ideally, use of this standard Java ?based software interface will in future enable all services and applications to run with any settop box or DVB receiver. As the interface is available both to all providers of program applications and services as well as device manufacturers, MHP opens the door on future development of receiving equipment which is compatible with current and future services and applications. MHP consists of a software package (middleware) which will be incorporated both in DVB receivers and multimedia PCs.

MUSICAM
(Masking pattern adapted universal subband integrated coding and multiplexing).
Complies with MPEG-1 Audio, Layer II. It reduces the data rate of audio signals from 1,411 Mbit/s (audio CD) to 192 Kbit/s.

Network Media Receiver
Home Servers by Sony are TVs, videorecorders, hifi systems and PCs all in one. Hard disks with a capacity of 160 or 200 Gb enable storage of all types of audio/video and image files. The software supplied allows users to digitally record, view and edit TV programmes. Together with network media receivers, home servers act as multimedia control centres inside the networked home. Via WirelessLAN, a network media receiver enables computers to communicate with TVs, hifi systems and other audio/video components , regardless of where a home server is installed inside the home.

Newsgroups
The "blackboards" of the Internet. Includes thousands of public information and discussion forums sorted according to topic. Participants can read and submit messages.

N-Gage
Mobile game console by Nokia. Nokia N-Gage® provides improved interactive gaming. This mobile platform enables several players to play games with each other both locally and over long distances. Games involving several players can be played using a local bluetooth connection, or via mobile communication networks. N-Gage will ideally provide new ideas for business models, game developers, game publishers, network operators and service providers.

NICAM
A transmission mode employed in various countries for two digital audio signals (stereo or bi-language) in the analog TV channel.

NTSC
(National Television System Committee).
A TV signal standard commonly used in the USA and operating at a frame repetition rate of 60 Hz, with an aspect ratio of 4:3 and a pixel resolution of 767 x 575.

NVoD
(Near Video on Demand).
A TV program broadcast in, for example, 20 minute intervals on additional channels. Audiences can then watch a program practically at any time starting within the 20 minute time frame.

ODBC
(Open Database Connectivity).
Standard interface for database systems defined by Microsoft. If the correct ODBC driver for the database is installed on the PC, then it is also possible to communicate with applications such as dBase, Paradox or Access.

OOP
(Object-oriented programming)
Programming philosophy prominent in combination with Smalltalk, Object Pascal and C++ , now becoming increasingly rare.

Operating system
Software that controls and checks a computer's basic functions and logical devices. An operating system manages, for example, the resources and processes, input/output controls, file system and the user interface.

OSD
(On Screen Display).
A screen menu providing user instructions and simplifying operation.

PALplus
A system introduced in 1994 that is backward compatible to the PAL standard system for analog transmission of TV programs in the 16:9 Widescreen format aspect ratio. Coordinated by Germany's ZDF network, PALplus was developed by a consortium of industrial companies, TV stations and research institutes. On conventional screens (4:3 format), PALplus programs appear in the letterbox format with black strips along the upper and lower edges of the screen.

PASC
(Precision Adaptive Subband Coding).
Similar to MUSICAM. Coding and data compression process for audio signals. It offers a data rate of 384 Kbit/s and is used for DCC (Digital Compact Cassettes).

Pay-TV
Subscription television. Audio and video signals can only be received (unscrambled) after a fee has been paid to the program provider Encryption.

PCMCIA
(Personal Computer Memory Card Industry Association).
Originally designed as a memory expansion card for laptop computers, this interface is used today for miniature modems or for digital TV descrambling systems.

PIP
(Picture In Picture = 'Bild im Bild')
An additional picture displayed within the TV picture. This system is used to simultaneously view a second TV channel or monitor the image from a remote camera.

PLC
(Powerline Communications Forum).
A consortium founded in 1997 by members of the telecommunications industry and energy suppliers. This group tests applications and services supplied to homes via electrical cables to determine their feasibility and efficiency PowerLine, MediaFusion.

Plug-Ins
Small, supplemental programs that can be downloaded free of charge from the Internet. Plug-ins add new functions to the Web browser making it possible, for example, to view new multimedia information on the Web.

Plug & Play
Procedure for automatically configuring computer expansion devices or cards.

PowerLine
Systems that use the electrical network for data transfer PLC, MediaFusion.

PRML
(Partial Response Maximum Likelihood).
Digital procedure for interpreting the data stored as analog information on magnetic data media.

Protocol
Rules that define how data is transmitted over "data highways", in online networks and between components within a computer.

Proxy server
[Internet] Proxy servers function similarly to Cache memory. They increase "surfing speed" by caching pages previously visited on remote computers. If a Web page is to be opened, the proxy server first checks if the page is available on the hard disk. If so, the page is loaded from the proxy server. Proxy servers reduce the traffic on the data highway.

Pulse width modulation
see PWM.

PWM
Pulse width modulation. PWM is a standard means of encoding data read by a laser beam from optical media (CD, DVD).

QAM
Quadrature Amplitude Modulation. Digital modulation procedure. QAM is used, for example, for digital TV broadcasting via broadband cable.

QPSK
(Quadrature Phase Shift Keying).
Digital modulation procedure. QPSK is used, for example, for TV broadcasting via satellite.

Regulating authority [Telecommunications].
Until December 31, 1997, the Federal Ministry for Post and Telecommunications (BMPT) regulated the telecommunications market in Germany. This ministry regulated charges, defined legal standards and issued licenses. The ministry was disbanded in January 1998 and replaced by the regulating authority for post and telecommunications.

Regulator
Up until the end of December 1997 the Federal Post Office and Telecom Ministry (BMPT) was in charge of regulating the telecommunications market. The ministry set the prices for services provided, defined their basic scope and limitations, and issued licences. Since 1 January 1998 the ministry has ceased to exist and has been replaced by the Post Office and Telecommunications Regulator (RegPT).

Referential integrity
For databases, referential integrity in its simplest form means that, when a record is deleted from a main table, all related subordinate records in other tables will also be automatically deleted.

Relational database
A database which does not have a pre-defined link structure. This allows the user to create new relationships between tables dynamically, i.e. during the course of operation. For example, link customer names with invoices using the customer ID number).

Residential system technology, residential wiring technology
Building automation.

Resource Manager
A component of the HAVi system capable of managing a number of operations. It resolves conflicts between devices, coordinates the programming of scheduled events (such as timer recordings on a digital recorder) and monitors the network to determine if reserved devices are still in place.

Runtime module
Allows the user to execute a database program without requiring the entire database development system required to create the program.

Sampling
Scanning analog signals (in which samples of the current amplitude are taken at the sampling frequency and digitized. The quality of the digital signal depends on the sampling frequency (twice as high as the frequency of the digitized analog signal).

Scrambling
Encryption of TV images to make them unrecognizable. In reference to Pay TV, programs that are scrambled can only be received by subscribers who have agreed to pay a fee for the program and have a descrambling unit (decoder) connected to their TVs.

SCSI
(Small Computer System Interface).
Standardized interface for connecting peripheral devices to a PC.

Search engine
Databases containing information on documents available in the World Wide Web, i.e. the "reference works" or "indices" of the Internet.

SGRAM
(Synchronous Graphics RAM).
High-speed video memory for video signals.

Server
Computer in a network that makes resources available to connected computers (clients), programs, storage space, printers etc. (Client/Server, Video-Server).

Serve@home
Home automation system by Siemens. Stands for networking of domestic appliances, mobile surfing in the home and new services and functions. The company presented a complete kitchen in which all domestic appliances (cooker, fridge, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, air-conditioner) were networked within the house by a #Powerline#. Using a mobile telephone or tablet PC a user can manage his household appliances regardless of where he happens to be. All kinds of important information can be received, for instance that the washing machine in the basement has just completed its cycle, and he can even take over control himself. Remote detection will discover that a hob on the cooker is still on and can now be switched off. When buying frozen goods at the supermarket a user can lower the temperature in the freezer while he is still away from home. Diagnostic functions are also included: if an appliance develops a fault, a text message can be sent to a mobile telephone and/or the error can be displayed at the input device/ tablet PC. If required, the user can then immediately relay the message to a customer service department. The EHS-Konnex network standard used ensures compatibility with other manufacturers of domestic appliances and in the home automation environment. Solutions have been designed in modules, and if necessary enable access to the network with only minor intervention required.

Service Negotiation
A component in the DECT-MMAP standard for negotiating the minimum and maximum data rates for a particular service.

SES
(Société Européenne des Satellites). Company that operates Astra satellites.

SET
(Secure Electronic Transaction).
Payments are encrypted and sent via a (trusted) third party - a bank for example - checked, and customer identity verified

Shareware
Programs that can be copied for testing purposes. Users who decide to use the program are required to register the software and pay a fee to the author. Shareware programs can often be used without restriction - based on the presumption that users are honest - sometimes, however, they are limited in function or expire after a certain period of time.

SIG
Bluetooth Special Interest Group, with over 1,500 member companies and organizations.

Simulcrypt
Simultaneous transfer of several CA systems (CASS) in a single program package. In order to receive a particular programme a decoder with only one CA system is sufficient.

SMPTE
(Society of Motion Picture an Television Engineers).
SMPTE has developed a time code under the same name for controlling the synchronization of images and sounds.

Smart home

An interdisciplinary initiative by the industry association ZVEI. Leading manufacturers and their partners are currently cooperating in the Smart Home initiative ( Intelligentes Wohnen), and are developing ?networked, future-oriented solutions which meet the requirements of the home?.

SmarterWohnenNRW

In mid-2004 an initiative will be launched under the heading ?Offensive SmarterWohnenNRW? which will run until the end of 2006. In a joint offensive by the building sector, by producers, service providers, suppliers, financiers, representatives from politics, research and development, at least 1000 different smart homes representing a pilot project will be designed, constructed and subsequently put into use. The aim is to test a wide range of technological developments and applications, to test new joint ventures and to gradually pave the way for a new market. At the same time research of marketing aspects and the social implications will be underway, plus an evaluation of the technology being used.

SoD
(Service on Demand). VoD.

SQL
(Structured Query Language).
A universal query language for databases; it is used primarily for databases in banks or in similar multi-user systems.

Symbol
A data block consisting of a defined number of bits (the most well known example of a symbol is a byte consisting of 8 bits).

Table
Combines identical records together in columns (fields) and rows (records).

TAPI
Abbreviation for "Telephony Application Programming Interface", the Windows telephony interface developed by Microsoft, CTI.

TCP/IP
(Transmission Control Protocol/Intemet Protocol).
Technical basis for transmitting data on the Internet. This Protocol divides the contents of a Web page into small packets and sends them along different paths, if necessary, to the receiver where TCP/IP then reassembles the packets in their original order.

Transaction
A transaction ensures that any modification to a database is carried out either completely, i.e. for all records, or not at all.

Transponder
[Satellite transmission technology].
Combination of a receiver that receives signals from a terrestrial station (uplink) and a transmitter that beams down the signals as a satellite TV program to the earth (downlink). The term is a combination of transmitter and responder.

Ultra-SCSI
An improvement to Fast SCSI, which by doubling the cycle frequency permits #data transfer rate#s of up to 20 MByte/s.

Ultra-Wide-SCSI
An improvement to Wide SCSI, which by doubling the cycle frequency permits #data transfer rate#s of up to 40 MByte/s.

Universal LNB
[Satellite transmission technology].
A receiver unit located in the focal point of a parabolic antenna (dish-shaped or satellite antenna). LNB (Low Noise Block Converter) is also used to describe an LNC (Low Noise Converter). In the LNB, the signals received from a satellite are converted into a lower frequency range before they are forwarded per cable to the satellite receiver in or next to the TV set. The term 'Universal' indicates that the LNB can be used for both analog TV (10.7-11.7 GHz) and digital TV (11.7-12.75 GHz) frequencies.

Universal Plug and Play
(UPnP).
Windows 9x and Windows 2000 offer "Plug & Play" technology for automatically detecting all compatible devices within a PC. "Universal Plug & Play" is designed to expand this technology to include devices in an (external) network. Once devices are connected to a network supporting Universal Plug and Play, they automatically configure themselves, which eliminates the need for set-up and configuration. UPnP detects the devices along with the relevant product characteristics including communication protocols. For example, a camera can automatically detect a printer in the network, determine its ability to print in color, and print a photo.

Universal Serial Bus (USB)
The Universal Serial Bus developed by Intel and based on a star topology can connect up to 127 devices on different levels to a PC and replaces earlier interface standards. Each device forms the end or point of a star. Direct communication between connected USB devices is not possible. Control is provided by a USB controller that functions as a host. The complicated process of reserving address ranges and interrupts has been eliminated. Only the USB controller requires an interrupt from the BIOS. Thanks to the hot-plugging function, any number of devices can be switched on, plugged into different sockets or removed while the PC is in operation. The USB host detects the change and renumbers the device addresses. Windows 98 is the first operating systems to fully support the Universal Serial Bus.
In version 1.1, the USB operates at a maximum data rate of up to 12 Mbit/s. Version USB 2.0 will offer data rates that are 20 times faster, i.e. 240 Mbits per second, and will be backward compatible. Devices are connected with a four-wire cable with standardized plugs that are polarized to prevent them from being plugged in the wrong direction. The cable can also supply current, if necessary, to connected peripheral devices. The devices are chained to the bus via passive hubs which can also be integrated into separate USB devices such as keyboards or monitors. The maximum cable length between hub and peripheral is five meters.
Intel introduced a USB system 2.0 early in the year 2000 that offers a maximum data rate of 480 Mbit/s - 40 times faster than version 1.1 (For more information, see: www.usb.org).

UPnP
see Universal Plug and Play.

Upstream
The data flow from a client to a server or from a subscriber/customer to a provider; the opposite of Downstream.

URL
(Universal Resource Locator).
Address for Internet pages. A URL consists of a server name, possibly a directory name or full pathname, and the document title (example: http://www.ehome-berlin.de/index/main.html).

VESA
(Video Electronics Standards Association).

Video on Demand
see VoD.

Video-Server
Hard disk storage of video signals employing computer-controlled data management. In contrast to magnetic tape cassettes this storage medium has the advantage of enabling random instantaneous access to individual scenes or frames. PCs are becoming more and more common as servers for audio/video archiving in home networks (Network Media Receiver). In the context of Video on Demand (#VoD#) video servers capable of storing hundreds if not thousands of videoclips and films will soon be a reality, whereby storage will no longer be measured in gigabytes, but instead in terabytes (= 1000 gigabytes).

VoD
Procedure in which TV programs can be directly accessed by a subscriber via a back channel from a video server. The transmission, which requires special switching equipment with distributed structure and bi-directional channels from and to the subscriber, is enabled after payment has been made. Similar service are being discussed, such as Audio on Demand, Software on Demand and others that are outlined under the heading: SoD (Service-on-Demand).

Voice mail
Similar to E-mail, voice mail is a message sent or received within a network as audio data.

VRAM
(Video Random Access Memory).
High-speed video memory.

VRML
(Virtual Reality Modeling Language).
A programming language for displaying 3-D spaces on the Internet. VRML allows the user to design virtual landscapes or 3-D games. Current browsers are capable of displaying such data. Numerous browser plug-ins offer 3-D functions.

Widescreen
TV screen format with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Takes into account our natural field of vision, which is also much wider than it is high. For this reason this format is easier on the eyes, especially with larger screens. Technically speaking, both analogue systems (PALplus) and digital television DVB will support the wide screen format.

WIMAX
(Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access).
IEEE standard 802.16. A further improvement to WirelessLAN, with ranges of several kilometres and data transfer rates of up to 70 Mbit/s claimed possible.

Wi-Fi
(Wireless Fidelity).
WiFi Alliance term for a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) in accordance with IEEE 802.11.

Wide-SCSI
Transmission protocol compliant with SCSI-2 that defines an extension of the bus width to 16 bit and thus requires special cables and plugs. Wide-SCSI is normally used together with Fast-SCSI and is capable of data transmission of up to 20 Mbyte/s.

WirelessLAN
(LAN = Local Area Network).
Wireless Local Area Network in accordance with IEEE standard 802.xx.

Wireless MAN
(Wireless Metropolitan Area Network, WMAN).
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has approved a standard for WMANs, for overcoming the ?last mile?. This technology is an improvement over the existing standard 802.16 for frequencies ranging from 2 GHz to 11 GHz and not requiring a licence. Initially, WMAN operating in accordance with the IEEE 802.16 standard was limited to frequencies ranging from 10 GHz to 66 GHz. Data transfer rates are between 16 and 134 Mbps. WMAN is used mainly with point-to-point or point-to-multipoint connections in between buildings.

WRAM
Window-RAM. Special type of VRAM with high bandwidth used by Matrox, Number Nine and other video card manufacturers.

Xanadu
Bill Gates' networked home uses a variety of methods for electronic house control. According to press reports, the house has over one hundred PCs connected to thousands of sensors and activators used to regulate lighting, air and temperature. They also use chip cards to identify the whereabouts of people in each room. Once the person has been identified, their music and video preferences can be pre-selected.

Xpresso
A processor designed for the Java-Engine by Zucotto Systems. It is used for broadband access to handheld devices via an integrated Bluetooth connection. The Xpresso core is formed by Sun architecture (KVM, Kernel Virtual Machine) around which the proprietary data slice (service layer in Consumer Electronics) was programmed.

ZVEI

(Zentralverband Elektrotechnik- und Elektronikindustrie e.V.)

Industry association representing the economic, technological and environmental interests of the German electronics industry both in Germany and abroad. The association focuses mainly on ?exchanging information and work experience between members on the subject of current technical, economic, legal and socio-political themes in areas impacted by the electronics industry?.

This link collection on the intelligent home / home networks is supplemented regularly. You can also mail your suggestions to: ruokamo@messe-berlin.de. Thank you in advance!

Note: Most of the listed websites are provided in one language only. If the summary we provide is in English (En), Spanish (Sp) or German (De), you can look forward to an English, Spanish or German website. Have fun surfing!

Your e/home editorial team

Actiontec Home Network Tutorial
(En)

The "home networking info center" of Actiontec Electronics provides information about technologies, standards, products, links, news and where-to-buy of home networking. The website includes a home networking tutorial: from "What ist home networking" to "How to find a home networking solution".

www.hastec.nl/actiontec/tutorials/homenetworking/homenet_tut.html


ATVEF Advanced Television Enhancement Forum
(En)

Homepage of the cross-industry alliance of broadcasters, cable networks, TV-transports, PC and consumer electronics industry offers information (about ATVEF, directory, news/press and events), membership related infos and a library (including specifications, white papers, supplemental info and standard bodies.

www.atvef.com


Audio over Ethernet
(De)

Die Netze werden leistungsfähiger warum also nicht Audio über bestehende Netze verteilen, den PC zur Medienzentrale machen — einschl. Lösungen für den professionellen Bereich (Hotel-, Gastro- Shop- oder Veranstaltungsbereich — Nutzung der vorhandenen CD-Sammlung im gesamten Wohnbereich — standortunabhängig. PDA oder Tablet-PC werden zur Fernbedienung.

www.ethernet-audio.de/shop/


Automated Home Home Automation in UK
(En)

Automated Home UK is the "first an foremost home automation website" in the United Kingdom. It deals with the hows, wheres and whys in home automation in the UK.

www.automatedhome.co.uk


Automation and Drives Unternehmensbereich der Siemens AG
(De)

Die Technik von "Automation and Drives" ist nahezu überall zu finden: In den unterschiedlichsten Branchen der Industrie und des Handwerks, in verschiedensten Anwendungen — auch wenn nicht immer auf den ersten Blick sichtbar: Vom Antriebs- und Automatisierungstechnik moderner Fertigungsstraßen über die Steuerung eines Karussells bis hin zur Elektroinstallation in privaten und öffentlichen Gebäuden.

www.automation.siemens.com

Basynet Multimedia-Verkabelungssystem für SOHO und Heim
(De)

Das "selbstbautaugliche" Basynet-Konzept der Draca Multimedia Cable GmbH bietet die Möglichkeit, an bis zu acht Stellen im Gebäude spezielle Anschlussdosen zu montieren, und mit dem dafür vorgesehenen Multimediakabel sternförmig an einen zentralen Verteiler anzuschließen.

www.drakamc.de/nkhome_d.html


Bluetooth The Official Bluetooth Website
(En)

Applications examples for the Bluetooth wireless technology. Specifications available royalty-free. Qualification to use the Bluetooth interoperability symbol. News, products, technical info, the Bluetooth SIG (special interest group). And the story of Harald Bluetooth (who was a fierce Viking king in the 10th century Denmark).

www.bluetooth.com


Broadcom ICs for Broadband Communications
(En)

Broadcom Corporation ("Silicon Solutions for Broadband Communications") designs, develops and supplies integrated circuits for broadband communication markets, including the markets for home networking.

www.broadcom.com


Bus Systeme Zeitschrift für moderne Gebäudetechnik
(De)

Nachrichten und Übersichten zum Thema EIB (European Installation Bus), einschliesslich eines EIB-Stellenmarktes. Im Spezialteil "Das intelligente Haus" werden Informationen für Anwender, Selbstdarstellungen von Fachfirmen und Kontakte von Bauherren an Planer, Ingenieurbüros und Installateure vermittelt.

www.bussysteme.de

CABA Continental Automated Buildings Assiciation
(En)

Website of the CABA, North America’s source for information, education and networking relating to home and building automation. The association’s mission is to encourage the development, promotion and adoption of respective business opportunities in the industry.

www.caba.org/


Cahners In-Stat Group Market Research
(En)

Cahners In-Stat Group is "covering the full spectrum of digital communications research from technology to end-user": Including studies on the development of networking, multimedia, wireless, computing and consumer electronics markets and strategies.

www.instat.com


Casadomo.com
(Sp)

A Smart Home portal in Spanish. It offers news, articles, interviews and several channels and services as well as a weekly newsletter.

www.casadomo.com


CEATechHome Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)
(En)

CEATechHome will show how to create en integrated home system using products that everybody may already own: Heating, air conditioning, lighting, cable television and other typical home systems. Integrated home systems link the independent systems and appliances so they can work together and be controlled from other sources.

www.techhome.org/


CEBus Industry Council
(En)

CEBus Industry Council is "a multi-industry organisation of companies, incorporated as a non-profit corporation, to develop and enlarge the market for products compliant with the CEBus standard and/or the Common Application Language (CAL) as implemented in the Home Plug and Play Specification". The site includes technical information about the CEBus standard EIA-600 (using home’s 120v, 60 cycle, electrical wiring to transport data).

www.cebus.org


CECED European Committee of Domestic Equipment Manufacturers
(En)

CECED - European Committee of Domestic Equipment Manufacturers has initiated a communications standard for electrical household devices in the fields "Home Automation" and "Intelligent Living". A working group of CECED has developed, in cooperation with the most important European manufacturers, the first corporately defined and supported protocol for operating a "Home Automation System".

www.ceced.org


Cisco Systems Home Networking Solutions
(En)

Cisco’s website provides information about the Internet as "the next essential home utility", including interactive features like the virtual tour through the Cisco Internet Home and an Internet Lifestyle Demo Flash.

www.cisco.com/warp/public/779/consumer/


CommVerge Magazine (Cahners Business Information)
(En)

The website of the monthly published magazine CommVerge©, the "data stream for visionaries of the convergence area", provides with information about convergence products and systems including home networking technologies.

www.commvergemag.com
 

Datenübertragung Netzwerke, Modems, Übertragungsverfahren
(De)

Mit diesem Dokument – es enthält auch ein ausführliches Stichwortverzeichnis – möchte der Autor, Herwig Feichtinger (Shamrock Software GmbH) einen "Einstieg in die wunderbare Welt der Netzwerke" geben: Modems, GSM, ISDN und zahlreiche weitere Möglichkeiten.

www.shamrock.de/dfu/index.htm


D-Link ("Building Networks for People")
(En)

D-Link is a designer, developer and manufacturer of networking, broadband, digital electronics, voice an data communications solutions for the digital home, SOHO (Small Office/Home Office), Small to Medium Business (SMB) and workgroup to enterprise environments.

www.dlink.com


DTV Information Source for Digital Broadcasting
(En)

The site is "structured to serve the needs of broadcast engineers, transmission network designers/installers, production engineers, videographers, sound engineers, film editors, and consultants who are involved in the production and broadcast of DTV, highlighting technologies s.a. format conversion, video editing, post production, signal processing, and products."

www.digitalbroadcasting.com


DVB Digital Video Broadcasting
(En)

The DVB-project is a consortium of over 200 broadcasters, manufacturers, network operators and regulatory bodies in more than 30 countries worldwide, committed to design a global standard for the delivery of digital television.

www.dvb.org

 

e2Home Networked Home / Screeenfridge Project
(En)

Ericsson and Electrolux created "e2Home", a jointly owned company for research, development and marketing of electronic household services for the networked home. The website provides information about the progress of the Screenfridge project.

www.e2-home.com


EarthLink Home Broadband Connection
(En)

As one of the leading broadband internet service providers, EarthLink serves nearly 300,000 broadband subscribers. EarthLink, headquartered in Atlanta (USA) provides "a full range of of innovative access, histing and e-commerce solutions to thousands of communities internationally through broadband and wireless technologies."

www.earthlink.net


EasyLiving Laboratory (Microsoft)
(En)

Report on Microsoft’s EasyLiving laboratory: "Houses will be build or refitted with all the light switches, thermostat controls, telephone jacks, alarm switches an the windows and doors.... all tied together in a system monitored by cameras and sensors until the building becomes, in a sense, a living thing".

www.research.microsoft.com/easyliving/


Echelon Corporation LonWorks Networks
(En)

LonWorks networks by Echelon Corporation are recognized worldwide as an de facto standard in the building control industry. Echelon is a founding member and sponsor of the LonMark Interoperability Association.

www.echelon.com


EHSA European Home System Association
(En)

EHSA is an open organisation. Its aim is to support and promote European industry in the field of Home Systems. Its members include major manufacturers with large research and development facilities. EHSA is partner of the Konnex Association (www.konnex-knx.org).

www.ehsa.com


EIB Europäischer Installations-Bus
(De)

Info-Seiten für Elektriker, Planer, Architekten und Bauherren: Mit umfangreichen Informationen, wie der Europäische Installationsbus (EIB) funktioniert, welche Neuheiten und Produktdatenbanken es gibt und Vieles mehr.

www.eib-home.de/


EIB Fachliteratur
(De)

Fachbücher über Themenbereiche wie "Intelligentes Heim", "Vernetztes Haus", Gebäudesystemtechnik, Raumautomation und neue Geschäftsfelder für den Elektroinstallateur sind auf dieser Internetsite zusammengefasst. Eine Bestellmöglichkeit wird ebenfalls angeboten.

www.eib-home.de/instabus_eib_literatur.htm


EIB European Installation Bus
(De)

EIB, weltweiter Standard für intelligente Gebäude: Öffentliche Bauwerke, Wirtschaftsbauten und Einfamilienhäuser. Verknüpft flexibel und nachträglich erweiterbar die technischen Einrichtungen in Gebäuden und schafft Verbindungen zu den künftigen neuen Diensteanbietern.

www.eiba.de/


EIBA European Installation Bus Association
(En)

Website published by the EIB Association. Offers information especially on international activities and events around the European Installation Bus: Applications in home, product guide, gateways, links to other sites and downloads (info, software etc).

www.eiba.com


EIB Forum Alles über den Europäischen Installationsbus
(De)

Neben einem Newsticker, Download-Angeboten, Tips zur Vermarktung von EIB-Installationen, gibt es hier den EIB-Marktplatz, auf dem man neue und gebrauchte EIB-Geräte kaufen, verkaufen oder tauschen kann. Das EIB-Forum online bietet EIB-Anwendern die Möglichkeit, Erfahrungen, Tipps und Tricks miteinander auszutauschen.

www.eib-forum.de


EIB Info Info- und Dienstleistungs-Homepage
(De)

Tipps und Infos zum Europäischen Installationsbus (EIB) für die Branche der Elektroinstallations- und Gebäudesystemtechnik in der Schweiz.

www.eib-info.ch


EIB-Profis EIB zertifizierte Elektrobetriebe
(De)

Interessenten – Bauherren, Architekten und Planer –, die nach einem für den Europäischen Installations-Bus zertifizierten Elektrofachbetrieb in Deutschland suchen, finden auf dieser Website – nach Postleitzahlen geordnet – die gesuchte Adresse.

www.eib-profis.de/


EIB-News Online-Dienst
(De)

Der "Online-Dienst für EIB-Fachleute und andere Interessierte der Elektrobranche" wird von der Redaktion der Fachzeitschrift Bus Systeme bearbeitet. Es werden neue Produkte vorgestellt. Ausserdem gibt es ein umfangreiches Verzeichnis der EIB-Schulungsstätten.

www.eibnews.de/


EIB User-Club Deutschland / Schweiz
(De)

Um den "Erfahrungsaustausch zu internationalisieren, haben die EIB User-Clubs in Deutschland und der Schweiz beschlossen, ihre Websites zusammenzulegen." Damit soll zugleich gezeigt werden, "dass EIB keine nationale Angelegenheit ist."


Electronic House Web Information about Home Electronics
(En)

Breaking news and new products (lighting, home automation, audio, networking, wiring, home theater). "Electronic House" is a web-based information source for home electronics.

www.electronichouse.com


elektroniknet Top News aus dem Elektronik-Bereich
(De)

Fachredakteure aus dem Weka Verlag (u.a. Elektronik, Funkschau, Markt&Technik, Design & Elektronik) publizieren in diesem Newsletter Top News, Produkt News, Marktübersichten und Fachthemen aus dem Bereich der Elektronik.

www.elektroniknet.de


Elektro-Seiten Suchmaschine für Elektrobetriebe
(De)

Die "Elektro-Seiten" informieren über neue Produkte und bieten ein Forum, in dem jeder Fragen rund um das Thema Elektrotechnik stellen kann (Antworten kommen online und/oder von einem "Elektrobetrieb in Ihrer Nähe"). Ausserdem gibt es eine Suchmaschine, über die Elektrobetriebe über Suchbegriffe – etwa Postleitzahl oder Spezialgebiet – zu finden sind.

www.elektroseiten.de


ELKO Das ELektronik-KOmpendium
(De)

ELKO "ist eine Website rund um die Themen Elektronik, Computertechnik, Kommunikationstechnik und Sicherheitstechnik." Diese Themen sollen allgemein verständlich erklärt und der Allgemeinheit präsentiert werden.

www.elektronik-kompendium.de


Enhanced Home Networking Using WindowsMe©
(En)

"It’s easy to connect the latest network-ready devices and gadgets to your home network. Here are some of the home networking features you’ll find in WindowsMe© ......."

www.microsoft.com/windowsME/guide/homenetworking/default.asp


ep ELEKTROPRAKTIKER
(De)

Die Fachzeitschrift für Elektrofachkräfte in Handwerk und Industrie bietet mit ep-online ein Informationsportal für Elektroprofis.

www.elektropraktiker.de

Flash Commerce Newsletter
(En)

The Flash Commerce© Newsletter is published as "Daily News & Discussion of eCommerce & Small Business".

www.flashcommerce.com

Gebäudeautomation Informationsnetzwerk
(De)

Im Downloadbereich des INGA e.V. (InformationsNetzwerk GebäudeAutomation) werden Vorträge von Tagungen des INGA im pdf-Format zum herunterladen angeboten.

www.uni-kl.de/RUN/InGa/Inga.html


GNI GebäudeNetzwerk Institut
(De)

Seit 1995 bilden Spezialisten aus der Gebäudetechnik, der Architektur, professionelle Bauherren und Ausbildungsinstitute, im Verein Gebäude Netzwerk Institut GNI eine gewerkeübergreifende Plattform. In Veranstaltungen und Fachgruppen werden aktuelle Themen zur Konzeption von Gebäuden, Funktionalität, Technologien, Standards, Systemintegration und Lösungsansätze in der Praxis diskutiert. Im GNI-Handbuch für Raumautomation sind diese Ideen zu einem anerkannten Standardwerk zusammengeflossen. Seit 2000 exisitiert auch eine Fachgruppe Home Automation, welche 2001 in Zürich einen ersten Kongress vorbereitet hat.

www.g-n-i.ch

HANA Home Automation & Networking Association
(En)

The Home Automation & Networking Association (HANA) — founded in 1988 as the "Home Automation Assiciation" is the trade association of the home control industry. HANA currently has over 450 company members.

www.hanaonline.org/index_ie.html


handwerk.de Internetportal des deutschen Handwerks
(De)

handwerk.de unterstützt kleine und mittelständische Handwerksbetriebe und leistet mit seiner Handwerker-Datenbank sowie der Auftragsvermittlung einen wichtigen Beitrag zu Umsatzsteigerung und Kostenreduzierung. Zu den Zielgruppen von handwerk.de/ gehören unter anderem die Fachbetriebe des Elektrohandwerks sowie des Bau- und Ausbaugewerbes.

www.handwerk.de


Haus-Bus-Systeme Übersicht über die verschiedenen Techniken
(De)

Die Website bietet die Möglichkeit, sich über die unterschiedlichen, in der Gebäudesystemtechnik zur Verfügung stehenden Systeme und Technologien (von Bati-BUS bis Z-BUS) zu informieren.

www.haus-bus-systeme.de


Hausinformationssysteme.de
(De)

Dieser Auftritt ist ein umfangreiches Portal mit Diskussionsforum und Newsletterdienst. Die Besucher haben die Möglichkeit, sich ein persönliches Portal zu konfigurieren. Auf www.Hausinformationssysteme.de können sich die Besucher registrieren und selbst festlegen, welche Inhalte sie im Portal angezeigt haben möchten. Das Portal bietet auch ein Diskussionsforum an. Dort werden Themen wie Heimautomation und neuartige Technologien mit Gleichgesinnten diskutiert.

http://www.hausinformationssysteme.de/


Haustechnik Verein für Haustechnik im Internet e.V.
(De)

Der — nach eigenen Angaben — nicht kommerzielle Verein bietet Elektrikern, Heizungs- und Sanitärinstallateuren, die im Bereich der Haustechnik tätig sind, im Internet aktiv zu werden (einschließlich kostenloser Teilnahme an Workshops, Vorträgen und Seminaren).

www.haustechnik.de


HAVi Home Audio Video interoperability
(En)

Homepage of he HAVi organisation, founded by eight consumer electronics companies (Grundig, Hitachi, Matsushita [Panasonic], Philips Sharp, Sony, Thomson and Toshiba).

www.havi.org/


HiddenWires
(En)

is a resource for those planning, designing, installing and using high-end home entertainment and automation. As well as a product and services directory, it includes product showcases, articles and whitepapers, case studies, product and industry news, an events calendar and is accompanied by a monthly email newsletter.

http://hiddenwires.co.uk


HiperLAN Global Forum HiperLAN 2
(En)

The Global Forum ("A World without Wire") of the HiperLAN Community — launched in 1999 by Bosch, Dell, Ericsson, Nokia, Telia and Texas Instruments — is an open industry forum, open to any legal company to join. The website provides news and informations about HiperLAN applications and technology.

www.hiperlan2.com


Hi-Tech House
(En)

International Specialized Exhibition and Forum - "Hi-Tech House — Intelligent Technologies in buildings’ construction and operation" is organized in Moscow by MIDEXPO Exhibition company. Next date: November 24-27, 2004.

www.hitechhouse.ru/about_eng.php


Home Automation
(En)

The Most Complete Directory of Home Automation Websites - Over 700 listings include example homes and ideas, security systems, information resources etc.

www.home-automation.org


HomeNetHelp Home Networking and Internet Connection Sharing
(En)

Home networking "explained in a way everyone can understand": Product reviews, tutorials, forums, diagrams and more. HomeNetHelp "is here to help consumers confused about home networks and small networks".

www.homenethelp.com


Home Networking How it works....
(En)

Networking basics, how different types of home net technologies are working, what about "The Future of Home Networking" and related themes/informations.

www.howstuffworks.com/home-network.htm


Home Networking Get Your Home Connected
(En)

"Home Networking represents a new era of entertainment, communications and convenience in the home. Building on accepted industry standards and technologies, Microsoft delivers smart, innovative products and services to enable a variety of compelling connected home experiences."

www.microsoft.com/homenet/getconnected/default.asp


Home Networking Solutions Information Site
(En)

Connecting PCs together will open a new world of possibilities an save time and money. This website will help to understand the benefits of home networking and to guides the choice of technology.

www.hnsolutions.co.uk/


HomePlug Powerline Alliance
(En)

The HomePlug Powerline Alliance is "a not-for-profit corporation formed to provide a forum for the creation of open specifications for high speed powerline networking products and services." Among the alliance members are AMD, Cisco, Compaq, Matsushita and Panasonic.

www.homeplug.org/index_basic.html


HomePNA Home Phoneline Network Alliance
(En)

HomePNA, an association of 150 companies bringing home phoneline networking solutions to consumers, announced in april 2001 "the formal approval by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) of a critical technical specification for a single worldwide standard for home phoneline networking."

www.homepna.org


HomeRF® ("Imagine a world without wires")
(En)

The HomeRF Working Group Inc. was "formed to establish the mass deployment of interoperable wireless network access devices to both local content and the internet for voice, data and streaming media in consumer environments."

www.homerf.org


Hometronic Anwendungen, Übersicht, Technik
(De)

Beschreibung des von Honeywell entwickelten Hometronic Systems zur drahtlosen Regelung und Steuerung von Raumheizung, Licht, Rolläden, Jalousien, Markisen etc.

http://www.hga.honeywell.de/hometronic/sofunktionierts/default.htm


HomeWay Multimedia Heimverkabelung
(De)

Corning Cable Systems - eine 100%ige Tochter der Corning Incorporated - ist führender Hersteller von Lichtwellenleiter- und Kupferverkabelungslösungen in Kommunikationssystemen für Sprach-, Daten- und Video-Netzanwendungen weltweit. Das Unternehmen bietet unter der Bezeichnung "HomeWay" ein universales System für Multimedia-Heimverkabelungen an.

www.corningcablesystems.de/de/products/ homeway/info/grosshandel.php

IBM at Family Integrated Home Solution
(De)

Residential Services Gateway bildet den zentralen Verknüpfungspunkt für die im Haushalt eingesetzten Datennetze. Das Gateway basiert auf dem OSGi-Standard (Open Services Gateway Initiative).

www-5.ibm.com/services/de/wireless/b2m.html


IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc
(En)

The official website of IEEE ("eye-triple-E") Organisation provides information on the "engineering process of creating, developing, integrating, sharing and applying knowledge about electrical and information technologies and sciences". With regard to e/home / home networking the site is an important information platform for IEEE-Standards 1394 (i.e. HAVi a.o.) and 802.11 (wireless LAN).

www.ieee.org
www.ieee.org/germany
(Deutsche IEEE Sektion)


IEEE 1394 Apples FireWire Home Page
(En)

Apple’s FireWireTM Home Page. FireWire is "a cross-platform implementation of the high-speed serial data bus – defined by IEEE standard 1394".

www.ieee1394-produkte.de


IEEE 1394 The 1394 Trade Association
(En)

The 1394 Trade Association, comprised of more than 170 member companies, was founded to "support the development of computer and consumer electronics systems that can be easily connected with each other via a single serial multimedia link": The IEEE 1394 high speed multimedia connection standard is also known as Apple’s "Fire Wire" or Sony’s "i-Link".

www.1394ta.com/
www.askfor1394.com


IEEE 802.11b Anatomy of a Wireless Standard
(En)

High-rate wireless LANs are moving into the enterprise space. Article written by Joel Conover, published in "Network Computing" (August 2000).

www.networkcomputing.com/1115/1115ws2.html


IEEE 802.11b Test: Funknetze nach IEEE 802.11
(De)

Testbericht (von Jörg Luther) über funkgestützte Netzwerke. "Ob sie sich als echte Alternative zu kabelgestützten LANs.... eignen", wurde an fünf Testkandidaten geprüft.

www.tecchannel.de/hardware/620

Weitere Informationen über "802.11: Standard für drahtlose Netze" (von Axel Sikora) unter

www.tecchannel.de/hardware/680


IGI Group Telecom Information Portal
(En)

The Information Gatekeepers Group in an publisher, trade show organizer, consultancy and information service provider in the field of fiber optics, optical networks, WDM, ADSL, ATM, Internet, LANs, ISDN, wireless telecom, and the emerging telecom markets worldwide.

www.igigroup.com


Infoline Elektrohandwerk
(De)

Der "Internetdienst für Elektrohandwerker" berichtet vor allem auch über Themen im Bereich Heim-Netzwerke. Dabei stehen Produktinformationen und Erfahrungs- bzw. Erstanwenderberichte im Mittelpunkt.

www.infoline-handwerk.de/


Infoline Handwerk
(De)

Internetangebote für Elektrobetriebe: Ausbildung, Infodienste, Verkehr und mehr.

www.infoline-handwerk.de/link/elink01.htm


inHaus Duisburg
(De)

Das Innovationszentrum Intelligentes Haus Duisburg, kurz inHaus, ist ein thematisch und organisatorisch einmaliges, ganzheitliches Konzept im Bereich produktnaher Innovationen für das vernetzte Leben. Das Projekt hat als Basis die inHaus-Anlage in Duisburg mit einem Wohnhaus, einem Werkstatthaus, einem vernetzten Fahrzeug und einem vernetzten Garten.

www.inhaus-duisburg.de/index1.html


Initiative Elektrotechnik Mehr Ideen fürs Leben
(De)

Die Initiative "moderne Elektrotechnik fürs Haus" ist ein Zusammenschluss von Unternehmen der Elektrobranche. Auf ihrer Website geht die Initiative auch auf "Möglichkeiten zukunftsweisender Gebäudetechnik" ein.

www.initiative-elektrotechnik.de

Initiative Intelligentes Wohnen
(De)

Intelligentes Wohnen - unter diesem Namen kooperieren führende Hersteller und ihre Partner. Sie entwickeln vernetzte, bedarfsnahe und zukunftssichere Lösungen für Ihr Zuhause. Die Produkte und Lösungen haben alle eines gemeinsam: sie lassen sich miteinander verbinden, einfach bedienen und schaffen so neue Funktionalitäten, Mehrwerte und Freiräume.

www.intelligentes-wohnen.com


Intelligentes Haus Informationen für Bauherren
(De)

Eine Website mit Informationen für Bauherren: "Ein Leben in einem intelligenten Haus" (als eine Art Dia-Schau mit Texterläuterungen, wie das funktioniert), "Wie wird Ihr Haus intelligent?" (als Grafik mit Beschreibungen) und "Diese Partner machen Ihr Haus intelligent" (als Datenbank mit Stichwortsuche).

www.das-intelligente-haus.de/


Intelligentes Wohnen Eine Initiative des ZVEI
(De)

In der Initiative "Intelligentes Wohnen" kooperieren führende Hersteller und ihre Partner: Sie entwickeln "vernetzte, bedarfsnahe und zukunftssichere Lösungen für das Zuhause".

www.intelligentes-wohnen.com


Internet Home Alliance Internet Lifestyle
(En)

Internet Home Alliance is "a group of companies dedicated to enhancing a consumer’s understanding, appreciation and adoption of the Internet Lifestyle."

www.internethomealliance.com

Jini Bezaubernde Geräte
(De)

Artikel von Andreas Zeidler (TU Darmstadt) und Marco Gruteser. Diese umfassende Übersicht – Untertitel: "Vernetzte Alltagswelt programmieren" – ist bereits im April 1999 in iX, Magazin für professionelle Informationstechnik (Heise Verlag), erschienen, aber im Prinzip bis heute aktuell geblieben.

www.heise.de/ix/artikel/1999/04/144/default.shtml


Jini Java Intelligent Network Infrastructure
(En)

Website of Sun Microsystems describing JINI connection technology "based on the simple concept that devices should simply connect and work together. No drivers to find, no operating system issues, no wired cables and connectors."

www.sun.com/jini/

Other links to (Jini-)related websites:

www.jini.org/
(web home of Jini Technology licensees / Jini community)

www.sun.com/jini/jini_technology.html/
(the official Technology Site for Jini)

developer.java.sun.com/developer/products/jini
(includes download of the Jini Technology Starter Kit v 1.1 and the Jini Technology Platform Compatibility Kit v1.1A [both available after accepting special Sun Community Source Licences])


Jini Historie, Funktionsweise, Anwendungen
(De)

Die Jini Technologie vereinfacht die Verbindungen zu und über Netzwerke. Möglichst jedes Gerät mit intelligenter Elektronik soll mit Hilfe von Jini (Java Intelligent Network Infrastructure) sofort nach dem Anschluss an ein Netzwerk Lieferant oder Empfänger / Nutzer von Informationen werden. Diese Internetseite bietet auch "Jini-Links" an.

www.sun.de/Produkte/Software/Systeme_und_Plattformen/Jini/index.html


Jini Resource for Java and Jini Developers
(En)

This site, created by Bill Venners, Artima Software, Inc. (leARn, ThInk, iMAgine) provides Object Design Corner Highlights, Jini and Java Corner Highlights, information about new workshops seminars and "how to advertise on artima.com".

www.artima.com


Jini The Community Resource for Jini Technology
(En)

Home of the Jini Community – "a place to meet, talk, exchange source code, and advance the goals of Jini® network technology." This website is understood as a resource for all community members and interested parties.

www.jini.org/

Konnex Konnex Association
(De)

Die drei führenden Verbände der Gebäudesystemtechnik haben sich in der "Konnex Association" zusammengeschlossen. Der neue Konnex-Busstandard wird die besten Eigenschaften der Systeme EIB, Batibus und EHS (European Home System) vereinigen. Basis des Konnex-Standards ist der bewährte Europäische Installationsbus EIB. "Alle bisherigen EIB-Produkte sind kompatibel. Mit Konnex KNX ergeben sich aber durch das einheitliche Protokoll jetzt zusätzliche Einstzgebiete und ein erweiterbares Anwendungsspektrum."

www.konnex-knx.org

LCN Der Bus-Profi
(De)

Website für Praktiker, Anwender und Planer des Local Control Network (LCN). Ein spezieller Bereich befasst sich mit der Programmierung (einschießlich Busstruktur, Befehlen und Fehlersuche).

www.bus-profi.de


LCN Local Control Network
(De)

Das Local Control System der Issendorf GmbH ist ein Installationsbus mit hoher Funktionalität für Wohn- und Zweckbauten: Energieersparnis, Lichtregie, Sonnenschutzsysteme, automatische gesteuerte Tore, Zeiterfassung, Zutrittskontrolle, Alarmmeldung. - Eine Einführung zum Thema "Was ist LCN?".

www.issendorff.de


Let’s Automate Online Home Automation Store
(En)

Supplier of home automation products. "Largest stock of X10 and home automation products. Fast, reliable shipping."

www.letsautomate.com/


Living X Systemhaus der LSB
(De)

Living X ist eine neue Wohnform für junge Leute. Ein Haus, das sich den Wohnträumen, dem Lebensstil und dem Lebenszyklus seiner Bewohner anpasst. Es steht in Leinfelden-Echterdingen bei Stuttgart. Das Haus verbindet moderne junge Architektur, gebaut aus innovativen Materialien, mit zeitgemäßer Technik und einer funktionalen aber dennoch gemütlichen Einrichtung.

www.lbs-bw.de/PL4D/pl4d.htm?detail_snr=306


LNO LON Nutzer Organisation
(De)

Die Nutzer-Organisation des Local Operation Network (LON) "fördert LonWorks®-Technologie, bündelt Marketing-Aktivitäten, ist Drehscheibe für Informationen und initiiert Kooperationen". Die Website der LNO informiert laufend über Themen, Anwendungen und Produkte im Bereich Gebäudeautomation.

www.lno.de


LonMark Interoperability Association
(En)

The LonMark Interoperability Association promotes and recommends design guidelines for interoperable LonWorks (LON – Local Operation Network) based products. The Association offers latest news, informations about upcomming events and products/systems based on Lonworks.

www.lonmark.org


LonWorks Networks for Connected Homes
(En)

The website of Echelon Corporation, developer of LonWorks networks, includes information about the company, products, solutions, partners, support, press releases, news and events. LonWorks is a cross-industry standard for networking everyday devices in building and home automation, industrial, transportation and public utility applications.

www.lonworks.com


LonWorksTM Schulungs-Angebote
(De)

Schulungen zum Thema LonWorks (für Systemintegratoren sowie als LON Grundlagenkurse).

www.lontech.ch

Im Rahmen des neuen Studienschwerpunkts "Gebäudetechnik" hat der Fachbereich Elektronik/Technische Informatik der Fachhochschule Aalen das Fachgebiet "Gebäudeleittechnik" übernommen.

www.fh-aalen.de/sge/fb-e-ti/labors/gebhtml/geblhtml.htm

MABB Medienanstalt Berlin-Brandenburg / DVB-T
(De)

Die Medienanstalt Berlin-Brandenburg veröffentlicht Informationen zum Stand des Übergangs von analogem zum digitalen terrestrischen Fernsehen (DVB-T) in der Hauptstadtregion Berlin/Potsdam.

www.mabb.de


Market Development Home Network Market to reach $ 5,7 billion
(En)

How the world-wide market for home network equipment and residential gateways is expected to grow. Offering purchase of the complete report "The Connected Home: The Emerging Market for Home Networking Technologies and Services", a study of Cahners In-Stat Group.

www.instat.com/catalog/Ncatalogue.asp?Segment=Residenial%20Connectivity


Media Tampere Story of the Internet-sauna
(En)

How to include the sauna into a home network: "Media Tampere Ltd is probably the first company in the world that has designed a sauna with video-conferencing facilities. The loudspeakers and a microphone will be placed inside the sauna. The web camera and the computer screen are behind a window. The direction of the camera can be trimmed according to the desire of the users (in the sauna, not outside)."

www.mediatampere.fi/sauna/


Miele@Home Zentrale Steuerung im Haus
(De)

Kernstück von "Miele@Home" ist eine zentrale Steuerung im Haus zur Bedienung der Geräte und zur externen Kommunikation. Die Bedienung läuft über einen Flachbildschirm ("Touchscreen") in der Küche, der auf Fingerdruck reagiert. Der dazugehörige Rechner ist versteckt im Oberschrank. Über diesen Bildschirm, dem "Familienterminal", können alle elektronisch gesteuerten Hausgeräte angewählt werden. Dabei geht "Miele@Home" weit über einfache Kontrollfunktionen hinaus.

www.miele.de

Netzwerke Topologien und Protokolle
(De)

Von der Frage "Peer-to-Peer oder Server?" über Netztopologien (Bus, Stern, Ring) und drahtlose Netze bis zu den Netzwerk-Protokollen (NetBeui, IPX/SPX, TCP/IP) und Adressen gibt dieses Dokument einen anschaulichen Überblick.

www.shamrock.de/dfu/index.htm


NextHouse Digital Home Network
(En)

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2000), Las Vegas, Panasonic presented ist digital home network solution "NextHouse". It demonstrated a new Home Gateway which serves as a digital hub and router for the entire home network.

www.panasonic.com/ces2000/nexthouse.html

Philips Pronto Family
(En)

Extend Home Theater Control with Philips NetX iPronto Network Extender and Philips Pronto Family with new ProntoPro NG, which is designed to integrate seamlessly into any home theater environment, the ProntoPro NG features a sleek, cutting edge design with a new 3.8" high-resolution color touch screen. The ProntoPro NG offers users endless control possibilities and the ability to customize their home theater experience.

www.pronto.philips.com/


Philips Residential-Gateway-Referenzdesign
(De)

Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI), hat das erste drahtlose Breitband-Residential-Gateway-Referenzdesign der Halbleiterindustrie angekündigt, das die Kommunikationsstandards 802.11b und DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications) unterstützt und damit das vernetzte Heim zur Realität werden lässt. Das neue Philips Referenzdesign, das PTD2754, ermöglicht Herstellern von Breitband-Routern und Gateways, Kunden zu Hause und in der Kleinbüro-Umgebung (SOHO, small office/home office) mit sicheren Funkdatenkommunikationen und kabellosem VoIP (Voice over IP) über eine einzige Breitbandverbindung zu versorgen.

http://de.semiconductors.philips.com/news/content/file_928.html


PLC PowerLine Communications
(En)

Consumer information source for understanding this new technology and reviewing powerline products as they hit the market.

http://www.powerlinecommunications.net/


PolyTrax Powerline-Kommunikation
(De)

Die Geschäftstätigkeit der PolyTrax Information Technology AG, München, erstreckt sich auf Entwicklung, Service und Vertrieb ihrer Technologie für Powerline-Kommunikation (schnelle und zuverlässige Übertragung von Daten – sogar MP3- und MPEG-2-AAC-codierter Musik – über existierende 230-V-Netze). Primäre Zielmärkte sind Home Networking und Industrieautomation.

www.polytrax.com


Powerline Daten im Strom
(De)

Umfangreiches Dokument (aus dem Jahr 1998) über die Historie, die Zielsetzung und die Anwendung der Datenübertragung über Energienetze. Es werden Konzepte für Hoch-, Mittel- und Niederspannungsleitungen diskutiert und ein Ausblick auf die weitere Entwicklung gegeben.

speth08.wu-wien.ac.at/usr/h92/h9225559/mis/strom/98/art.htm


Powerline Enikia Solutions for Powerline Networking
(En)

The US-based EnikiaTM Incorporated, founding member of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance, delivers solutions and technology to run Ethernet-speed over existing powerline networt in a home. A "home networking tour" leads through a "Vision for the Future of Domestic Technology" – from Home InfostructureTM to Enikia’s market model.

www.enikia.com


Powerline RWE eHome Services
(De)

RWE Powerline, ein Tochterunternehmen der RWE Plus AG, bietet umfangreiche Informationen (einschließlich deutsch- und englischsprachiger Broschüren im pdf-Format). Unter "Technologie" wird die Funktionsweise von PLC (PowerLine Communication) in Text und Bild erläutert. Die Site informiert auch über die Tarifstrukturen der RWE PowerNets (Anmeldegebühren, Modems, Freidaten- und zusätzliche Datenvolumina).

www.rwe-powerline.de/index.htm


Powerline World The PLC Community
(En)

Powerline World, the International Powerline Communications Forum (IPCF), is a global online community facilitating the development and deployment of PLC (PowerLine Communications) products and services. The website includes an introduction to the different aspects of Powerline Communications.

www.ipcf.org


ProSyst Smart Home Suite
(De)

Die Smart Home Suite ermöglicht bereits heute die Entwicklung, die Auslieferung und das "Life-Cycle"-Management von e-Services und Anwendungen für das vernetzte Heim. Die Lösung ist dabei Plattform-unabhängig, skalierbar, modular, sicher, erweiterbar und kann bei Bedarf an Kundenanforderungen angepasst werden.

www.prosyst.com/de/solution_html/smarthome_edition.html

Security Focus Community of Security Professionals
(En)

SecurityFocus is the "most comprehensive and trusted source of security information on the Internet. SecurityFocus is a vendor-neutral site that provides objective, timely and comprehensive security information to all members of the security community, from end users, security hobbyists and network administrators to security consultants, IT Managers, CIOs and CSOs".

www.securityfocus.com


serve@Home Steuerung der Hausgeräte "von überall"
(De)

Das Home-Automation-System serve@Home von Siemens steht für die Vernetzung von Hausgeräten, für mobiles Surfen im Haus sowie für neue Dienste und Funktionen. Vorgestellt wird eine komplette Küche bei der alle Hausgeräte (Herd, Kühlschrank, Spülmaschine, Waschmaschine, Trockner, Klimagerät) über Inhouse-Powerline vernetzt sind.

www.serve-home.de


Set-top Home Networking
(En)

This website, a "new portal site for advanced digital set-top boxes", has been designed "to provide consumers and platform developers with a central hub for downloading TV applications, accessing the latest set-top news and participating in Web conferences.

www.set-tops.com


ShareWave Semiconductors for home networks
(En)

ShareWave, a provider of "semiconductor technology for multimedia-capable wireless home networks", delivers solutions for seamlessly high-fidelity multimedia content. The company is regarded as a pioneer in wireless LAN technology ("Withecap"TM), based on IEEE 802.11b, enhancing these standards to support the needs of consumers.

www.sharewave.com


Sony Network Media Receiver für vernetztes Heim
(De)

Mit dem Network Media Receiver, Mittler zwischen Computer und Unterhaltungselektronik, werden die Home-Server zur Multimedia-Zentrale für das vernetzte Heim. Der Network Media Receiver wird mit einem "VAIO" Home-Servern gebundelt und vernetzt diese per Wireless LAN mit dem Fernseher, der Hifi-Anlage und anderen Komponenten der AV-Umgebung

www.sony.de

UpnP Universal Plug and Play
(En)

UpnP, developed by Microsoft, is an open standard technology for transparently connecting appliances, PCs, and services by extending Plug and Play to support networks and peer-to-peer discovery and configuration. The document includes an introduction to UpnP, draft specifications and the UPnP Vision.

www.microsoft.com/homenet/

vdw Verband der Wohnungswirtschaft
(De)

Der "Verband der Wohnungswirtschaft in Niedersachsen und Bremen e.V." ist der Dachverband von 185 Wohnungsgenossenschaften und kommunalen sowie industrieverbundenen Wohnungsgesellschaften in Niedersachsen und Bremen. Die Mitgliedsunternehmen bewirtschaften knapp 450.000 Wohnungen für über eine Million Menschen.

www.vdw-online.de

Bluetooth
www.bluetooth.com/Bluetooth/Technology/Glossary (En)

EIB/Konnex
www.knx.de/presse/index.html (De)

HAVi
http://www.havi.org/faq/index.asp (En)

HomePlug Powerline Alliance
www.homeplug.org/en/faq/index.asp (En)

IEEE 1394
www.askfor1394.com/Technology/index.htm (En)

JINI
www.artima.com/jini/faq.html (En)

OSGi - Open Services Gateway Initiative
www.osgi.org/about/faqs.asp (En)

Home Networking
www.microsoft.com/homenet/help/glossary.asp (En)

c/net 
news.cnet.com/

Digital Broadcasting 
digitalbroadcasting.com/ 

elektroniknet 
www.elektroniknet.de 

Flash Commerce
www.flashcommerce.com/