Digital television, personal video recorders and media, automation, data and entertainment convergence in the home

Out of the confusion of possible delivery technologies for domestic digital video entertainment, the personal video recorder (PVR) with an electronic program guide (EPG) emerges as a key component. Serving as a content manager for video broadcasts, PVRs can automatically record, sort, schedule, store and integrate video material from different sources in a convenient, easy-to-use and timely fashion. Such devices are gradually being adopted in the homes of the developed world, and are the increasing subject of pioneering commercial enterprise, innovative experimentation and open-source community development. Going one step further, the concept of a 'MADE system' is introduced as a system with converged functionality for media, automation, data and entertainment. This article describes and compares three systems with PVR functionality and evaluates their current and future roles as a component for MADE systems. The drivers for and threats to the convergence of functionality towards a MADE system are also considered. Copyright © 2008 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.