Digital Convergence and the Future of Entertainment
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It used to be only the technologically astute who controlled multiple electronic devices from one remote, and only the rich or road warrior executives who carried digital gear with capabilities that matched (or bettered) the stationary counterparts. Now such technology is far more accessible, and this would seem to be all to the good. So why are some companies up in arms over this portable revolution? It boils down to one word: copyright.
Today, many people have more electronics than they can shake a stick at. Desktop computers, laptops, personal digital assistants, cell phones, digital music players, digital cameras (still or video), video game players…the list goes on and on. Not all of these are separate devices, though. For example, it’s easy to find a cell phone equipped with a digital camera and Internet surfing capability; some even have built-in PDA functionality, or the ability to play digital music.
“Digital convergence” is a buzz phrase that has been around for years. Now, however, we are seeing this convergence trickle down to users who may not be your typical technologically savvy early adopters. A recent USA Today article included a number of examples, starting with a man who hooks up his Apple laptop to his TV and speakers, and uses it to watch movies and play CDs –- with his cell phone functioning as a remote, thanks to some special purpose software. With this kind of versatility, who needs a CD or DVD player?
Granted, many people are not participating in this particular technological revolution. For example, my own year-old cell phone can’t take pictures (though it does offer access to the Internet). But it is getting easier to combine computing, communication, and entertainment. This technological convergence is terrifying to some companies, such as those who make their livelihood from movies and music. Still, it inspires the imagination of others –- companies and individuals with a vision of information and entertainment delivered where and in whatever form a consumer desires.
Next: The medium is the message >>
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