Conclusion

This article introduces a selection of technologies needed to distribute or broadcast digital audio content (e.g. online music, audio podcasts), audiovisual content (e.g. web radio, digital television and web TV) and video content (e.g. VOD, VODA, TVR, video podcasts).

Firstly, the physical distribution of digital content via traditional distribution channels was presented, alongside digital distribution via the Internet. A wide range of technologies were discussed, covering the three periods of Web 1.0 (information access), Web 2.0 (social interaction) and Web 3.0 (semantic Web). The last two Web periods have profoundly changed the way digital content is distributed. Similarly, Internet access technologies (fixed, mobile cellular and wireless), particularly mobile cellular Internet access (e.g. 3G and 4G), have democratized the consumption of digital content from...