The Digital Home in Japan Standards Alliances and Leading Vendors Solutions

Abstract

Since the late 1990s, Japan has been developing the digital home concept. So far, the Japanese government and enterprises have achieved impressive results in broadband network deployment, digital home Internet access technology, and networked home appliances. Toshiba was the first leading Japanese vendor to develop a comprehensive networked appliance solution, followed by Matsushita and Hitachi. The digital home products are designed to improve convenience and home security, as well as reduce energy consumption. Japanese vendors have also made great efforts to unify various digital home standards to achieve product interoperability, an important concept in digital home. This report will examine the major trends in the development of digital home applications and services by the leading Japanese vendors.