The use of information technology in the private household for consumers gains in importance. A whole new world of computerized home applications is already in place or under development. The market potential for the future will arise from the fact that information technology influences all parts of our private life as the discussion on Information Superhighways, the Information Society, Video-on-Demand, Smart Houses, Interactive TV, Internet, Cyberspace or Multimedia shows. This book deals with infrastructures, applications, current projects and business impacts of information technology for the private home. After a first introductory section the second part discusses software, hardware and network issues. The third part explains the broad range of applications. The fourth links infrastructures and applications by a description of current projects in Asia, North America and Europe. Finally, the main business and market implications are explored. Authors from science and well-known international companies like IBM, Microsoft, Sony, Philips, Silicon Graphics, Oracle or Andersen Consulting introduce the new field of information technology for private households.