- Written By: B. Turner
- Edited By: W. Everett
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Copyright Protected:
2003-2012 Conjecture Corporation
Anynet is an audio-visual networking system created by the Samsung Electronics Company. Using this system, individuals can link different Samsung devices to one another, or experience various audio-visual files using a standard television. This system makes it easy to network various devices, even for those with no formal electronics knowledge or training. It also provides a single remote for operating a wide variety of system components.
When Samsung introduced the original Anynet program, it was designed to work with up to two devices, plus a television. A few years later, the company introduced a more advanced networking program called Anynet+. Anynet+ works with up to 12 different devices, and uses high-quality HDMI cables to connect these devices to the TV. Users can control a cable box, DVD or Blu-Ray player and home theater system through the Anynet network. With Anynet+, devices such as digital cameras, camcorders, and stereo systems can also be included in the home entertainment network.
The program relies on a special menu built into most models of Samsung televisions. From this menu, users can access and control any connected device using only the Anynet+ remote control. This program provides a centralized location for storing and viewing pictures and home movies. It also allows the user to consolidate various devices into one simple system.
One of the biggest benefits of this program is that it uses only one remote control. Instead of having separate remotes for speakers, cable, and other devices, a single unit can be used for all, which can help to clear up clutter in the home. While using this program, users press a single button to power-down all components instead of turning each device off individually. Best of all, this system makes it easy to connect new devices with a "plug and play" connection. There is no need for complicated wiring or networking, and many homeowners can set up Anynet without assistance.
The main drawback to this system is that it only works with Samsung products, and not all Samsung models are Anynet-equipped. While other electronics manufacturers may have similar programs, they are not interchangeable with one another. Buyers who have some home electronics devices from brands other than Samsung will not be able to use these devices with Anynet. For some users, the hard-wired connection may also be a potential drawback. The use of wires limits connectivity options somewhat, as devices must be close enough to the television to accommodate a wired connection.
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Discuss this Article
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anon201470
Post 4 |
I just found this on my TV and DVD by accident. It's really not that great and anyone with some serious setup would buy a multi-function remote, but I love the philosophical comments above! |
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fitness234
Post 3 |
@FrogFriend is right about proprietary systems sometimes being the best option. Even with the example they give about Apple there is still a very strong proprietary presence in that companies technology offerings.
Like Anynet from Samsung, Apple offers connection types that work only with their devices. The use of an iPod or iPhone cable will only be needed with those Apple products but at the same time, the company allows the use of the dock design in third party hardware. That is why you can purchase a dock music system for your iPod that isn't made by Apple.
It is this mix of proprietary technology and open use of the system that must be made into a good balance for the technology to be successful.
If Samsung were to open up the licensing of Anynet to other manufacturers then they might see an increase in its use and purchase on the consumer market. It might not mean a guaranteed sale of one of Samsung's devices but it means that the presence of Anynet will prevail and Samsung will be the preferred brand since they created the technology. |
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FrogFriend
Post 2 |
@Burlap, I appreciate your understanding of the constraints that a proprietary system can put on a consumer or business that is purchasing technology but the truth is that sometimes an all encompassing system like Anynet is exactly what is needed.
Some consumers don't mind buying into a system like Anynet as it means less headaches down the road as they add to or modify the entertainment technology they use.
I think one thing that consumers should note is that they must do research before making a decision to purchase a proprietary system like Anynet. This analysis of available products will ensure that you have a system that doesn't become defunct in a matter of a year or two.
There are many famous examples of these proprietary use of hardware that has severely limited the growth of both a company and the use of the technology by consumers.
Apple computer was stuck in position like this before they converted to using Intel microprocessors in their systems.
By switching away from the company specific PowerPC chips manufactured by IBM and Motorolla meant that Apple could join the competitive ranks of the PC market that had developed.
This transition to a more universal type of CPU meant that the entire computer market felt a shift in resources. No longer were software companies designing code around the PowerPC chips and were not free to develop applications that worked universally on x86 based systems.
I am not sure if the fate of Anynet will be good or bad but I strongly suggest that you do your due diligence when spending money on pricey electronic equipment. |
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Burlap
Post 1 |
As the author states in the last paragraph of this article, the problem with Anynet is it's proprietary nature of only working with Samsung's devices.
When companies decide to design and invest in a system that will only work with their devices it has a couple of intentions.
The first one is that they will hopefully convince consumers that they should only buy Samsung devices so that it will integrate with the system that they bought into. This will ultimately limit the user's experience as Samsung may have very good products in one type of consumer electronic category and may be behind the market status in others.
This limiting effect will eventually lead to the overspending on products that may not be desired but since an original investment was made, the consumer has no choice but to loose money or keep investing.
While Anynet may have many advantages there are many systems available to consumers that will function with similar benefits and allow for flexibility in the brands purchased.
Today with the use of computer automation and universal types of media connectors the need for a proprietary system like Anynet is less and less relevant. |
