Trends of Multimedia and Virtual Space Network Technology

Abstract

In this paper, trends on multimedia and virtual space network technologies are introduced. Basically, the multimedia technologies are classified into three categories. The first one is called the package type mulimedia. Typical media for this type is a CD-ROM. Many multimedia titles are pullished on this media. DVD is a promising media in the next generation. Network type multimedia is to transfer digital media data through varous network lines. Actually, the telephone line, the cable TV, the ISDN, and the internet are used for the porpose. The third type is the multimedia using the wireless information transmission. Personal communications such as PHS are growing now. Digital bordcasting media such as digital television have been developed and new services have been provided. Moreover virtual spaces are connected through digital network and shared by users. Shared virtual space and VRML on WWW are promising technologies.