Spreading the new media word
There’s an excellent primer in today’s Dallas Morning News on the changes underway in video viewing in the home. It’s nothing substantial or deep, but it’s the kind of article that’s necessary for the continued education of everyday people (and some media people, too).
Many agree that we’re headed for a time when almost every piece of video ever recorded — your favorite sitcom, your favorite movie, your favorite candidate’s speech, your kid’s soccer game — will be available and quickly accessible for viewing.There are enormous technical issues and costs to overcome, but technology companies are focused on making it happen.
For TV viewers, the world of ubiquitous video could be an amazing technological advance or a confusing mess.
No one’s sure exactly what the future holds, but it’s safe to assume that consumers are going to grapple with more choices and more complex technology.
For most consumers, the changes won’t happen overnight, said Dick Anderson, general manager of International Business Machines Corp.’s media and entertainment practice.
Gadget lovers and young trendsetters will embrace new TV technology while the majority, the “massive passive,” continues to veg out the old-fashioned way.
Eventually, though, even the traditional audience will follow.
The most important thing about articles like this morning’s is how they’re spreading the technology word to people outside the typical tech publications and challenging people to boost their knowledge of technology. This will accelerate change by breaking down knowledge barriers. I believe this is a fundamental role of media companies who wish to play in these new worlds downstream, and it’s nice to see a report like this in the paper of my new hometown.
August 2nd, 2006 at 7:56 pm
You nailed it, Terry! I read that IBM study and discussed portions of it with Dick Anderson, who wasn’t one of the authors but knows it backwards and forwards as IBM’s GM for media and entertainment.
You’re also right that I geared the story toward a mainstream newspaper audience that might not be hip to what’s coming.
Thanks for the kind words!