Digital Convergence and the Future of Entertainment - Barriers to entry
(Page 4 of 4 )
There are certain barriers that need to be overcome before the vision of any form of digital entertainment, anywhere, can reach fruition. For instance, while in theory a digital file can be moved to any device capable of storing such a file, in practice, it’s a bit more difficult. There is no standard connection between devices; indeed, there are more than a dozen “wired” ways to connect digital devices to each other, and not all of them are compatible with each other. There are several wireless technologies as well, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, WiMax and wireless Universal Serial Bus. Again, not all of these are compatible with each other.
Finally, the device itself might not be able to store digital files in a particular format. For example, songs purchased from Apple’s iTunes online music store can only be played on an iPod digital music player. They can be burned to CD, however. This may be reassuring to music companies; limiting the portability of songs might help prevent piracy.
People have been finding ways around these restrictions, however. For example, the Sony PSP may have inspired more hacks, more quickly than any other portable platform. A number of these hacks involve video files, such as one that allows users to download prerecorded TV programs from TiVo onto the PSP and play them back later. It illustrates an old saying that has proven itself true time and again in the digital age: where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Indeed, some in the tech industry have recognized that these technological barriers deserve to be surmounted. For example, the trade groups behind Bluetooth and wireless USB recently met and chose to start working together rather than continuing to compete. The result could be improved compatibility between devices with these forms of wireless capability. Apple also bowed to the need to use standards earlier this year when its digital music players stopped using FireWire and, instead, started coming with a USB connection cable.
The potential for piracy and copyright infringement is a serious issue. Still, this same problem crops up every time a new technology makes it easier to create multiple versions of copyrighted material. It came up with photocopy machines, tape recorders and video cassette recorders. In many cases, the points of contention were settled in the courts, which recognized a user’s right to make copies of items for “fair use” purposes, and sometimes for educational purposes. So far, the courts have been relatively conservative –- if a technology can be used for a non-infringing purpose, then that is often reason enough not to outlaw it. Movie and music companies may not be happy with this, but many of their customers will beg to differ.
| DISCLAIMER: The content provided in this article is not warranted or guaranteed by Developer Shed, Inc. The content provided is intended for entertainment and/or educational purposes in order to introduce to the reader key ideas, concepts, and/or product reviews. As such it is incumbent upon the reader to employ real-world tactics for security and implementation of best practices. We are not liable for any negative consequences that may result from implementing any information covered in our articles or tutorials. If this is a hardware review, it is not recommended to open and/or modify your hardware. |
