Lesson 1  Lesson 2  Lesson 3  Lesson 4  Lesson 5  Lesson 6  Lesson 7  Lesson 8  Lesson 9  Lesson 10 Электронные устройства и системы |Electronic equipment and systems

LESSON 1

Read the text: Industry Analysts Prediction

     Industry analysts predict the next generation will merge traditional consumer electronics such as audio, video, and personal communications products with the digital worlds of the personal computer. This trend already has an official name: convergence. This means technology that lets products interact with each other or that incorporate several standalone products into one smaller, interactive unit.

     Instead of carrying a pager and cell phone, a digital cellular phone will incorporate paging and different messaging functions like E-mail and faxing into one unit. Another example is a TV that includes built-in software to browse the Internet.

     Already, PCs are equipped with elaborate internal audio systems and TV tuner modules. Add-on accessories such as modems, CD-ROMs, and tape backups are considered standard PC features. Fax machines include separate telephones. Others faxes include copying and laser printer capabilities. Not only are products evolving, but product categories are flourishing.

     For example, under its video products category, CEMA includes more than a dozen specific products such as direct-view color TVs, projection TVs, LCD color TVs, TV/VCR combinations, videocassette players, VCR decks, camcorders, laser disc players, direct to home satellite systems, digital versatile disc (DVD) platters, and TV/PC combinations.

     Here are some other consumer electronic product trends. Expect to see more everyday appliances—such as toasters, ovens, microwaves, blenders, and other kitchen utensils—powered by computer chips. Not only will each product be able to do more automatically, but experts expect them to interact with each other. You'll see all-in-one combo products as well as "remote control" products that command various functions in different products.

     As product technology evolves and "converges," consumers will have even more choices. For example, as HDTVs are introduced, you'll have the choice of brand names, models, picture screen sizes, features, and capabilities. In the long run, consumers will benefit. However, more choices means harder buying decisions as consumers struggle to balance entertainment, convenience, price, and value.

1. Match the left part with the right:

2. Complete the sentences with the suggested words:

balance   long   more

In the (1)_______ run, consumers will benefit. However, (2)_______ choices means harder buying decisions as consumers struggle to (3)_______ entertainment, convenience, price, and value.