News

The Digital Home Explored at MIT Enterprise Forum of Atlanta September Event (26/8/2004)

In an effort to help identify new market opportunities in the burgeoning "digital home," the MIT Enterprise Forum of Atlanta will present a Case Study and panel discussion entitled "Beyond the Tip of the Iceberg." Slated for September 9, 2004, the event will be hosted at the Georgia Public Broadcasting studios in midtown Atlanta. Keynoting the discussion will be renowned journalist Michael Vizard, Editor in Chief of CRN. The case study company will be Atlanta's Quadrock Communications, creators of a new, dynamic interactive television technology. Panelists include senior executives from Beyond Z representing content, Cox Communications representing delivery, and Philips Consumer Electronics representing emerging technologies.

"The digital revolution in our homes is snowballing and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurs," said Mark Braunstein, Forum Chairman. "We've gathered an impressive panel from Atlanta to discuss how our homes might change and behave over the next few years. There will be discussion of cool new gadgets and technologies for implementation, as well as banter about the social implications how we work, live and play. Anyone looking for the Next Big Thing in consumer electronics opportunities should not miss this event."

The case study's Keynote is Michael Vizard, Editor in Chief of CRN, the newsweekly for builders of technology solutions. Mr. Vizard has more than 15 years of computer technology and publishing experience, and has twice been voted among the Top 30 Most Influential Technology Journalists by Technology Marketing. He was also named one of the Top 15 media influencers in the trade press category.

"Technology in the home is no longer just for entertainment or bringing home work," said Mr. Vizard. "Social implications are vast for senior citizens, students, and the working class. Its growth has spawned new companies and new ideas, as well as challenges with system installation and support, concerns about digital rights, and even the viability of current business models for delivery of TV. Will TV commercials be a thing of the past by 2010? This discussion will be both specific and broad, helping to identify the problems that exist and to encourage entrepreneurs to solve them."

Case Study formats allow audience members to hear thought leaders in the industry comment on the business plans of an up-and-coming player, and then participate in a live discussion. Quadrock Communications, the company being used as a case study for this event, is still in its infancy yet is far enough along to discuss why its new interactive TV technology will help spur the digital home revolution.

Panelists include Dallas Clement, Senior Vice President, Strategy and Development at Cox Communications; Karen Lennon, CEO of Beyond Z Interactive Media and winner of the first Emmy Award for Interactive Television; and Patrick Pondaven, General Manager of Philips North America's Connected Planet.

www.mitforum-atlanta.org