Convergence
I suppose the MSN TV formerly known as Web TV is a good example of the convergence of web and television. Basically, the MSN TV is able to perform some of the functions that a computer do:- access the web
- log onto MSN Messenger
- send emails
- view photos on a slideshow
- enjoy streaming videos and music from the web
- switch between "web" mode and "tv" mode
However, on a consumer level, the cost of installing this technology posed a major problem to those of average household income. While this TV may possess some computer-like functionality, I believe there are still a majority of people who are not going to treat the TV and computer (or internet) interchangeably. To them, TV and computer are still fundamentally distinctive. TV is regarded as a broadcast medium solely for viewing purpose with virtually zero interactivity and computer is a personal device to view and browse web content.
Of course, the reasoning above is just in human terms, not technical ones. Besides, there is hardly any technical reason why a television can't have the same functionality as a computer, or vice versa. Who knows? Maybe sometime in the future, people will cease distinguishing between televisions and computers. There will no longer be “television” in your living room or “computer” in your bedroom. Instead, it will be a totally different and new device that encapsulates the behaviour of both “computers” and “televisions,” and you can place it wherever you like it.
Therefore, the ultimate question for now is: when will this convergence of devices, web and other media formats find its acceptance with everyone?
*** In any case, do check out the website of MSN TV: http://www.msntv.com/. There are a few demos on the functionality of this device, and it seems pretty cool to me.
- Sitze
posted by Sitze @ 5:46 PM
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