Does the Internet Hold the Key to the Future of Video?
Television has both defined and dominated the spread of visual media, as we know it. Virtually every home has at least one television and indeed, watching TV is an extremely popular pastime for the majority of us. TV allows us to watch both live and pre-recorded events as well as news, shows, music and many more. TV has continued to develop from its humble beginnings in 1927 by Philo Farnsworth to the large LCD and plasma screens we sit and watch today. However, what does the future hold for television? Maybe, the answer lies with the Internet.
The Internet reaches out across the globe and allows access virtually anywhere thanks to complex satellite arrays orbiting the planet as we speak. This, coupled with the dramatic increase in broadband speeds has led to an increase in the amount of video being transmitted via the Internet and the quality of this footage.
With many homes having huge broadband speeds at their disposal, consumers have the ability to watch live events as well as recorded video on their computers. This footage could be anything from a news broadcast to a movie; in fact, anything that would normally be watched on a TV can be viewed via the Internet.
Even the major TV channels are utilising the Internet to distribute their programmes. Catch up services are available allowing users the chance to watch their favourite programme online. This video can be either be downloaded and played back or can be viewed while it is streaming. Usages of these services are on the increase largely due to the convenience they provide not to mention the excellent video quality on offer.
Another key factor to consider in regards to the rise of Web TV is mobility. The emergence of mobile Internet dongles, lightweight laptop computers, and hand held devices such as Internet ready phones has helped cement the continuing development of Web TV. Now, no matter where you are around the world, you need never miss out on a television programme or important news event. In fact, whatever media stream you wish to view, is available whenever and wherever you are.
Does the Internet hold the key to video’s future? One thing is for sure, the Internet is providing a constantly evolving platform for Web TV and media streaming. It is going to going to continue to evolve and is sure to be a major way we view video for years to come.
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