Introduction

Abstract

Multimedia is probably one of the most overused terms of the 90s (for example, see [Sch971). The field is at the crossroads of several major industries: computing, telecommunications, publishing, consumer audio-video electronics, and television/movie/broadcasting. Multimedia not only brings new industrial players to the game, but adds a new dimension to the potential market. For example, while computer networking was essentially targeting a professional market, multimedia embraces both the commercial and the consumer segments. Thus, the telecommunications market involved is not only that of professional or industrial networks—such as medium- or high-speed leased circuits or corporate data networks—but also includes standard telephony or low-speed ISDN and DSL. Similarly, not only the segment of professional audio-video is concerned, but also the consumer audio-video market, and the associated TV, movie, and broadcasting sectors.