Telecommunication

Streaming Media, IPTV, and Broadband

2010-03-24T12:34:00.000-07:00

Streaming Media, IPTV, and Broadband Transport: Telecommunications Carriers and Entertainment Services

2009-2014 (a market research report)

Carriers are signing up customers for video and other value-added services geared to spur spending in the consumer and business segments. In this market research report, INSIGHT will examine streaming, IPTV, mobile TV, and other information and entertainment services.

Streaming media—the IP transmission of on-demand rich media that gives the user the ability to listen to audio and view video and graphics animation files from the network without downloading the content—is but one of several technologies being used to deliver information and entertainment services. IPTV, in the context of current broadband transmission technology, will make it possible to move beyond the multicast “time-shift” capabilities of cable’s video-on-demand models to deliver true interactivity to unicast, multicast, and broadcast audiences and give carriers a slice of the more than $250 billion forecasted to be spent each year on mass advertising.

In this research report, INSIGHT studies the role and many applications of IPTV and streaming in both the business and consumer markets. In addition, INSIGHT evaluates the broadband infrastructure, hardware, and software necessary to deliver this service to the market, as well as the end user devices at work in homes and businesses. This research study provides a detailed forecast of the video, IPTV, and streaming media markets—including the applications, markets, and equipment.

Consumers Love Streaming Media

Streaming media is in the process of transforming the media and entertainment industry. As a disruptive technology, streaming across the Internet is going have an impact on the organization and profitability of the TV and movie business at least as profound as gut-wrenching changes that have already transformed the music industry. The unanswered question is weather the media and entertainment industry learned from the music industry’s mistakes and can manage the change to the advantage of the industry stakeholders.

Consumers have always had a love affair with their video content, and streaming allows unrestricted access to movies, TV and other forms of video 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Consumers can enjoy audio and video content of any type, anytime and any where they like. High definition video, enabled by variable bit rate streaming, is the latest technical advancement to attract consumers—and ultimately it is the consumer that is creating the demand for streaming media.

The revenues for streaming media industry will be generated from pay per view, subscriptions and advertising. Even as the US entertainment industry continues to generate significant revenue from traditional outlets such as box office, DVDs, broadcast television—its future growth will all take place in the streaming media segment.

In streaming, rich digital media is transferred across a network for immediate enjoyment by the consumer and without the requirement for any permanent local data storage. The content download process is very similar to streaming except that the digital media is stored on the consumer’s local device. In both scenarios, digital rights management (DRM) is being used to control or limit the listening, viewing, and distribution of content. A content delivery network (CDN) is often used to transfer the media for both streaming and content downloads.

Powerful, Compact, SDH Network Test Set

2010-03-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

SunSet SDH

Powerful, Compact, SDH Network Test Set

Optical networks provide the high capacity and reliable connectivity that today’s business operations rely on. These networks also present unique installation and maintenance challenges. The SunSet SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) test set is perfect for bringing new circuits into service and troubleshooting problems with in-service circuits in the field. This comprehensive handheld test set has features that were previously only available on large, rack-mounted systems, and it’s highly affordable compared to other solutions.

The SunSet SDH offers 1.5/2 Mbps to 2.5 Gbps testing with advanced applications for SDH networks in a single package. This powerful unit also includes all the tools needed to verify and troubleshoot ATM, GSM, frame relay, ISDN, SS7, and voice. Among handheld sets, only the SunSet SDH has the feature set to ensure quality connections across the entire access network and verify that the quality of network synchronization meets ITU-T standards by performing jitter and wander measurements.

Highlights

SDH transmission testing, overhead analysis and control, and decoding
SDH mux/demux testing
PDH/ T-carrier testing
Jitter/Wander generation and measurement
ATM Testing
Less than 4lb (1.8 kg) and battery operated

Comprehensive Handheld Analyzer for 2 Mbps Transmission, Datacom

2010-03-24T09:02:00.000-07:00

SunSet E20c

Comprehensive Handheld Analyzer for 2 Mbps Transmission, Datacom, Signaling, and Service Verification

Today’s sophisticated networks often require numerous costly test units to identify and fix complex problems. The SunSet E20c saves on costs while minimizing network downtime by eliminating the need to purchase and carry multiple units. These versatile, handheld units include a complete set of tools for testing networks, making them extremely useful for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting a wide variety of communication services and technologies.

The SunSet E20c tests cellular, frame relay, switching, access, and simple leased line networks. A field-replaceable NiMH battery pack and upgradeable software options ensure that the unit stays in service, and is easily updated to keep pace with your testing requirements. With its high-powered processing architecture and dual receivers and transmitters, no other equipment of similar size and cost matches the SunSet E20c's versatility or convenience.

Highlights

Complete multi-service feature set in a single affordable package
Combines E1 transmission testing and protocol analyzer
Easy-to-Use, graphical configuration screens
Stored system profiles and test results
Dual BER testing and bidirectional monitoring capabilities
Intuitive user interface with status LED indicators
GSM AMR Monitoring

GSM Channel Monitoring
Standards: based on 3GPP TS 08.60, 08.61, 06.90 standard
Bidirectional drop/monitor of 8 and 16 kbit/s GSM channels/ sub-channel
AMR modes of 4.75, 5.15, 5.90, 6.70, 7.40, 7.95, 10.2 and 12.2 kbit/s
Automatic frame type detection
Identify signaling channel for A-bis, A-ter and A links
Voice decoded bidirectionally

MTT - Optical Test Toolkit Module

2010-03-23T12:23:00.000-07:00

MTT - Optical Test Toolkit Module

Optical Test Toolkit Module

The Optical Test Toolkit Module combines all tests needed to qualify optical fiber networks and identify faults, including a bi-directional loss test, optical return loss, and visual fault locator. The Optical Return Loss (ORL) test ensures signal quality by checking for reflections from connectors or discontinuous interfaces. The Visual Fault Locator (VFL) is the simplest way to check for breaks in the fiber path.

Highlights

· Adjustable power laser source

· Power meter

· Dual-ended insertion loss test set

· Optical return loss measurement

· Visual fault locator

MTT - Micro OTDR Module

2010-03-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

MTT - Micro OTDR Module

First optical time domain reflectometer in a compact module

The Micro OTDR Module is an affordable solution for verifying fiber networks during the construction phase and troubleshooting problems during the maintenance phase. It locates fiber breaks, identifies faults, estimates fiber attenuation, and verifies back reflection. The Micro OTDR Module has three key advantages: portability, modularity, and affordability.

Highlights

· One of the smallest OTDRs in the world

· Automatic fiber test: one-button for complete fiber testing

· Dual wavelength capability (SMF - 1310/1550nm, MMF - 850/1310nm)

· Optional VFL, OPM, LS

· Designed for FTTx, metro, and enterprise networks

· Companion PC program for further data analysis

MTT - Optical Channel Monitor Modules

2010-03-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

MTT - Optical Channel Monitor Modules

Optical Channel Monitor Modules

With the rapid increase in metro service installations, the CWDM and DWDM Modules are a low-cost alternative to optical spectrum analyzers, providing key measurements including lambda and power OSNR, and advanced features such as power and lambda drift detection.

Highlights

· First lightweight handheld WDM solution - ideal for field applications

· User-friendly, intuitive spectrum analysis

· Displays essential data of the entire CWDM/DWDM spectrum band

· Low-cost alternative to an OSA

MTT - ACM II

2010-03-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

MTT - ACM II

The MTT ACM II Chassis features a family of plug-in modules, providing stringent and comprehensive testing to qualify the copper pair in physical layer

The MTT ACM II (Modular Test Toolkit Advanced Cable Maintenance) provides the industry’s premier handheld test set for qualifying the copper pair for different DSL services including VDSL2, ADSL2+ and SHDSL services. The ACM II covers an industry best frequency range from voiceband to 30 MHz – necessary for FTTN and MDU applications based on VDSL2. In addition, the flexible configuration of this host chassis can support DSL, optical, and other MTT modules making it the only high-speed solution offering complete FTTN/x testing in one package.

Integrated into the test set are key cable maintenance features including a resistance fault locator (RFL), spectrum analysis, dual trace time domain reflectometer (TDR) and digital multimeter enhancing troubleshooting and repair. Using the MTT ACM II enables service providers to complete installations in less time and with greater confidence in the quality of service delivered to customers.

Highlights

· Physical layer testing for different DSL flavors including VDSL2, ADSL2+ and SHDSL

· Dual Trace TDR for in-depth fault location

· RFL to locate resistance faults

· Patented Detaptor function to identify bridge taps and determine its length

· Impulse noise

· DMM

· Load coil detector

· NEXT/FEXT

· Supports many SSMTT/SSxDSL test modules

MTT - ACM Lite

2010-03-23T12:11:00.000-07:00

MTT - ACM Lite

A rugged, battery operated handheld platform for access network service installation, verification, and troubleshooting

MTT ACM-Lite is a basic copper test set with the ability to quickly qualify and troubleshoot the copper pair for different DSL services. By the addition of new modules, the test set can easily adapt to new technologies such as xDSL, Ethernet, transport and optics. The simple user interface is consistent throughout the MTT family, allowing users to learn to test new technologies without extensive training.

Highlights

· Qualify and troubleshoot a copper pair

· Adaptable to new technology

· Battery-operated, handheld platform

· Simple user-interface

Telecom Network Handheld Test Set

2010-03-23T11:53:00.000-07:00

MTT Platform

Comprehensive Telecom Network Handheld Test Set

The explosive growth of Internet traffic over telecom lines includes business-critical voice, data, and video services. These network services require versatile testing solutions that won’t slow down installation crews and technicians. The MTT (Modular Test Toolkit) gives field personnel an all-in-one, low-cost platform for installing, verifying, and troubleshooting a wide variety of service technologies.

The MTT Platform is the industry’s premier handheld test set for network installation, verification, and troubleshooting. The MTT family includes chassis configurations for diverse testing needs and budgets, and its upgradeable modular design means dramatically lower cost compared to purchasing separate dedicated test sets. Modules are available for multiple testing needs and applications, including metro, DSL, transport, optics, and service.

Highlights

1- Comprehensive network testing solution
2- Flexible modular design upgrades easily in the field
3- Tests multiple services and technologies
4- Rugged, hand-held platform ideal for field use
5- Features automated tests and reporting features
6- LED indicators indicate test status at a glance

Airlive POE-200CAM

2010-03-23T06:10:00.000-07:00

Product Details

The AirLive POE-200CAM is a highperformance camera designed for professional indoor surveillance and security applications. The VGA Progressive CCD Sensor in the POE-200CAM delivers exceptionalpicture quality. This new model complements an architecture and software that is based on variations for professional indoor surveillance and security applications. The possibility to view video from AirLive IP Cameras over the Internet is only one of the benefits. AirLive POE-100CAM is designed to offer high-performance and is equipped with PoE port, ensuring to power IP camera and provide network activity via one RJ45 network cable. This provides an easier installation and lower cable costs and allows placement of Airlive POE cameras in locations with power limitation.

The AirLive POE-200CAM supports simultaneous dual-streaming of MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG

(MJPEG) to provide both high quality and bandwidth efficient compression formats. MJPEG delivers

greater file integrity to make it ideal for detailed monitoring situations. MPEG-4 video has smaller file

sizes that makes it more useful for extended recording periods or for use in lower bandwidth networks.

This model also supports two way audio function.

Product Specifications

Camera

1/3” Sharp CCD sensor, 420TVL

AGC, AES, AWB

Electronic shutter: 1/60 - 1/100000sec (NTSC), 1/50 - 1/100000sec (PAL)

Lens

6.0mm, F1.8

System

CPU: ARM9 based 32-bit RISC

Flash: 8MB

SDRAM: 64 MB

Embedded OS: Linux 2.4

Video Compression

MPEG-4, Motion JPEG

Adjustable Bitrate (64Kbps to 2048Kbps), Quality and Bitrate

Video Resolution

Up to 30 frames at 704x480 (NTSC)

Up to 25 frames at 704x576 (PAL)

Video Streaming

Simultaneous MPEG-4 & MJPEG (Dual Streaming)

Supports Unicast & Multicast

Supports 3GPP/ISMA RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol)

Audio

Two-way audio (full-duplex)

Alarm and Event

Built-in multi-window motion detection

Triggered and scheduled events

Pre- and Post-alarm buffer

Supports SMTP, FTP and HTTP event

Supported Protocols

TCP/IP, DHCP, PPPoE, ARP, ICMP, FTP, SMTP, DDNS, NTP, UPnP, RTSP, RTP, HTTP, TCP, UDP, 3GPP/ISMA RTSP

Security

ID/Password Authentication; SSL Protocol V3.0

Power

12V DC, 1A, Max 6W

Connectors

Ethernet – RJ45 for 10/100 Base-T (with PoE)

12V DC

Analog Video Out (BNC)

3.5mm Audio Input, 3.5mm Audio Output

Operating Environment

0º - 50 ºC (32º - 122ºF)

Humidity 20 - 80% RH (non-condensing)

Video Surveillance

Software

Professional surveillance application for viewing, recording and archiving up to16 cameras

Approvals

CE, FCC, RoHS

Dimension

110mm x 130mm (φ)

Our Price: Rs.17,655.00

What is an IP Camera ?

2010-03-23T05:59:00.001-07:00

What is an IP Camera?

An IP Camera is a stand-alone device which allows you to view live, full motion video from anywhere in the world. IP Cameras can be used for surveillance of both homes and businesses. With the ability to record live video to a remote location, IP Cameras allow you to make sure your recorded video is safe by storing it at a location that only you can access.

In Detail

A Network IP Camera is a stand-alone device which allows a user to view live, full motion video from anywhere on a computer network, even over the Internet, using a standard web-browser.

Until very recently, video security and surveillance was accomplished using Closed Circuit Television or CCTV. This technology included analog cameras, coaxial cable and video tape recorders. Video security and surveillance started entering the digital age with the advent of CCD sensors which digitized image capture in the camera. However, transmission was still analog via coax to analog VCR's. The next step was the introduction of Digital Video Recorders (DVR's) connected directly to analog cameras, which made storing, searching and retrieving video much more efficient. PC's were then introduced for display of the images through a modem or network connection to the DVR.

The entire system has now been digitized with the introduction of Network Cameras incorporating onboard processors and web server software. These Network Cameras can be connected directly to existing IP networks, eliminating the need for separate and expensive coaxial cable networks. Images can be viewed and cameras managed from anywhere via a web browser, plus any hard disk on the network can be set up to record the video output.

Another significant technology called Video Servers, allow existing CCTV installations to gain the benefit of Network Video, while protecting investments in analog cameras. Video Servers connect to IP Networks and convert the signal from analog cameras to digital format. Like Network Cameras, Video Servers contain onboard processors and web server software that makes each camera IP addressable. Essentially, Video Servers turn CCTV cameras into IP Network Cameras.

S-630 Telecom Cable Fault Locator

2010-03-23T04:23:00.000-07:00

S-630 Telecom Cable Fault Locator

Description: i. Introduction

1. This completely automatic Telecom Cable Fault Locator adopts the modern microelectronic technology to develop this successful high-tech product.

2. Combines with both pulse reflection testing and intelligent electric bridge testing for measuring the exact fault location of such as the Urban Lead cover cables, plastic cables, the broken wires of users, crossed lines, gas, bad insulation, and weak connection.

3. It is an effective tool to reduce troubleshooting time, improve work efficiency and reduce labor intensity of line maintenance staff.

4. It also can be used in line projects acceptance and inspection of electrical cables.

ii. Features

1. Both pulse reflection testing and intelligent electric bridge testing can test broken lines,

crossing lines, bad insulation and other types of faults.

2. Automatic testing, just press the key for one time, the fault will be found.

3. Manual testing function is preserved.

4. English menu, easy to master and use.

5. With megameter and ohmmeter, enables to test insulation resistance and loop resistance.

6. Preserve 10 testing waveforms permanently, which are cannot lost after switch off, some parts replaces the functions of printer.

Country: China

Trimline Phone

2010-03-23T04:20:00.000-07:00

Trimline Phone

Description: * Tone / Pulse switchable

* Mute function

* Flash function

* Redial function

* IDD lock

* Lighted keypad (optional)

* Desktop or wall mountable

Lead Time:30 days upon receipt deposit

Place of Origin: China

Delivery Time: 30 upon receipt deposit days

Lead Time:30 days upon receipt deposit

Place of Origin: China

Port: China or Hong Kong

S/E BLUETOOTH HEADSET Mod: HBH-PV712 Black

2010-03-23T03:28:00.000-07:00

SONY ERICSSON BLUETOOTH HEADSET

Model: HBH-PV712 Black

Handle calls in the car, in the office, at home or when out and about thanks to the long talk time and Digital Noise Cancellation. Quick-release the headset from the neck strap and adjust the swivel ear-hook to slide the headset over your ear to quickly answer incoming calls.

Mobile Broadband

2010-03-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

Mobile Broadband – Basics

Simply put, Mobile Broadband lets you connect to the internet and email using your laptop when you're out and about. It’s our broadband service that lets you stay in touch when you’re on the move.

Business moves fast, and with Telecom’s 3G XT Mobile Network being super fast in more places, you will too. Respond quickly to your customers and suppliers wherever you are, using Mobile Broadband on your laptop. You can take control of when and where you work with 3G coverage in 97% of where New Zealanders live and work.

Simply plug in one of our Mobile Broadband USB devices to your laptop and you can keep on moving - all connected to the internet.

Keep on top of your business while you are on the go.

Mobile Phone Details BlackBerry Bold 9000

2010-03-22T12:26:00.000-07:00

Mobile Phone Details BlackBerry Bold 9000

The BlackBerry Bold smartphone's design and performance live up to its name. The elegant smartphone features a lustrous black exterior, satin chrome-finished frame and stylish, leatherette backplate with a stunning half-VGA (480 x 320 at 217 ppi) color display for eye-popping visuals and a newly designed full QWERTY keyboard for exceptionally fast and easy typing. On the inside, the BlackBerry Bold features built-in GPS and Wi-Fi®, a powerful new 624 MHz mobile processor that provides impressive performance, more storage memory than ever before — 1 GB on board and up to 16 GB via its microSD expansion slot — and a rich set of multimedia capabilities, including an advanced media player for music, videos and photos and a 2 megapixel camera with built-in flash, zoom and video recording, as well as an optimized Web-browsing experience with desktop-style depiction.

Mitel 3000 IP-based System Phone

2010-03-21T13:50:00.000-07:00

Mitel 3000 IP-based System Phone

The Mitel 3000 IP-based System Phone offers full-duplex hands-free operation with features including a 6 x 16 menu driven display, Message Waiting/Ringing LED, 16 programmable keys, 2 port Switch (for PC connection) and Headset port.

ZTE

2010-03-21T13:28:00.001-07:00

As one of the first Chinese telecoms equipment provider to pursue business in overseas markets, ZTE now has about 62,000 employees and 10,000 of them are working in about 107 representative offices around the world.

Since 1996, the company has provided products and services to 140 countries and regions, serving major telecoms operators in Asia Pacific, South Asia, North America, Europe, Latin America, Africa and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Through a combination of strategic marketing, product differentiation, cost advantage improvement, human resources optimization and intellectual property management, ZTE has established firm commercial partnerships with over 500 operators around the world.

Research and Development

With more than 34% of its workforce dedicated to R&D and with 10% of its annual revenues channeled to this field, ZTE has established 15 R&D centers and Institutes across North America, Europe and Asia.

International standards such as CMM and CMMI are strictly applied across all ZTE R&D management processes. Using these scientific management mechanisms and shared technology platforms, ZTE has standardized its R&D processes, shortened R&D periods, reduced costs, optimized design flows and guaranteed the performance of new products.

The company's commitment to innovation ensures that its products stay at the leading edge of modern communications technology.

By the end of 2009 H1, ZTE had applied for around 20,000 national or international patents, 90% out of which were innovation patents with associated intellectual property rights.

In 2000, ZTE launched the world's first CDMA mobile phone with detachable SIM card. In 2004, the company launched the world's first CDMA-based digital trunking technology - GoTa (Global open Trunking architecture system) which included many technologies based on ZTE-owned intellectual property.

As a leading global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, ZTE plays an important role in the international telecoms community. The company is an active member of more than 70 international standardization organizations and forums.

ZTE holds the position of Co-chairman in two ITU-T working groups and Editor of ITU-T standards including NGN, optical transmission and network security. As a member of 3GPP, ZTE has edited three standards involving 3G radio access networks and terminal systems. The company is also a board member of the WiMAX Forum.

ZTE has established strategic cooperation agreements with leading telecoms giants such as Portugal Telecom, France Telecom, Alcatel, Ericsson and Nortel in NGN and mobile systems, with Hutchison in 3G, and with Marconi in optical transmission systems.

The company has also established joint laboratory partnerships with Texas Instruments, Intel, Agere Systems, HHNEC, IBM, Microsoft (China), Qualcomm, Huahong NEC and Tsinghua University. The company has undertaken technological research alliance projects with 50 academic institutions throughout China, where ZTE is also a fully fledged member of the China Communications Standardization Association (CCSA)

Huawei

2010-03-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

Huawei is a leading telecom solutions provider, owned entirely by its employees. Through continuous customer-centric innovation, we have established end-to-end advantages in telecom network infrastructure, application & software, devices and professional services. With comprehensive strengths in wireline, wireless and IP technologies, Huawei has gained a leading position in the All-IP convergence age. Our products and solutions have been deployed in over 100 countries and have served 45 of the world's top 50 telecom operators, as well as one third of the world's population.

Huawei' s vision is to enrich people's lives through communication. By leveraging our experience and expertise in telecom sector, we help bridge the digital divide and give people the opportunity to join the information age, regardless of their geographic origin. In order to tackle increasing climate challenges, Huawei has deployed a wide range of green solutions that enable customers to reduce power consumption and carbon emissions, contributing to the sustainable development of the social economy and the environment.

World Largest Telecommunication Companies

2010-03-21T10:50:00.001-07:00

Alcatel-Lucent is the trusted partner of service providers, enterprises and governments worldwide, providing solutions to deliver voice, data and video communication services to end-users.

A leader in fixed, mobile and converged broadband networking, IP technologies, applications and services, Alcatel-Lucent leverages the unrivalled technical and scientific expertise of Bell Labs, one of the largest innovation powerhouses in the communications industry.

Definition of Telecommunication

2010-03-21T01:43:00.000-07:00

Telecommunications is a general term for a vast array of technologies that send information over distances. Mobile phones, land lines, satellite phones and voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) are all telephony technologies -- just one field of telecommunications. Radio, television and networks are a few more examples of telecommunication.

While most people associate telecommunications with modern technologies, the strict definition of the term encompasses primitive and even ancient forms of telecommunication. Among these is the use of smoke signals as a kind of visual telegraph. Puffs of smoke were time-released by smothering a fire with a blanket, then quickly removing and replacing the blanket. Widely used by the American Indians, smoke signals could communicate short messages over long distances, assuming a clear line of sight.

Other forms of early telecommunications include relay fires or beacons. Used foremostly in warfare, relay fires required a handful of men posted along a range of hilltops, with the last man closest to the area where troop movement was expected. When armies were spotted in the distance, he would light a bonfire. The fire could be seen from a good distance away by the next man in the relay, who would in turn light his own bonfire, and so the fires were lit in succession along the range, creating an effective telecommunications signal that traveled back over several miles in a relatively short period of time. Finally, the last man in the relay would light a beacon to signal his army below that the opponent was en-route.

The arrangement of a ship's flags and semaphores were other forms of telecommunications. A semaphore was a mechanical device atop a tower with paddle-like blades or flags. The device would be set in a specific position to communicate information.

Throughout the 19th century, telecommunications devices became more sophisticated with the advent of electricity, leading to the telegraph, Morse code, and signal lamps. A signal lamp, the optical version of the telegraph, is a powerful lamp with shutters that block the light in long or short durations to translate to the dots and dashes of Morse code. A heliograph is another optical telegraph -- a mirror used to reflect light to mimic a signal lamp.

In the 20th century, telecommunications reached beyond our planet. In June 1969, the world watched and listened as astronauts walked on the moon. Twenty years later, in August 1989, we would see pictures of Neptune arrive back from the Voyager 2 spacecraft, riding radio waves that traveled over roughly three billion miles (4.8 billion km) to reach us in a matter of a few hours.

Strides in telecommunications have changed the world immeasurably. While pockets of humankind were once isolated from each other, people now have multiple ways to see and hear what is occurring on the other side of the world in real time. Satellite technology, television, the Internet and telephony keep the globe connected in a humming buzz of interactive voices and pictures. In short, telecommunications has come a long way from smoke signals.