The MPEG standards process has evolved from its beginnings in 1988 through today to cover a wide range of multimedia delivery technology. The entire phenomenon of digital television and the standards involved have affected our culture through increased content choices for the consumer, increased competition, and new types of products. Cable delivery has seen a huge impact, in particular from MPEG-2 based digital television. If we can extrapolate from the evolution of the MPEG process, more change is coming!