by: Brotha Tech (http://brothatech.com)
 Three words: Streaming Digital Multimedia. It is as simple as firing up your TV, DVR, computer, or gaming system, finding a TV show, movie or podcast (and I'm not talking about old reruns either, I'm talking real-time, as soon as it's been recorded entertainment) and enjoy! As technology is making it easier for consumers to access a wide range of multimedia content over the internet, more and more companies are coming out with ways to deliver media to you on your couch, in your PJ's…after you have showered of course? The Lowdown: When Al Gore created the internet (chuckles), the only way digital content was delivered to your home was via dial up connectivity (I can still hear the dial up tone buzzing out the back of my PC). That method didn't have enough bandwidth (space) to carry the large media files necessary to stream anything of decent quality – and let's be honest; your computer wasn't powerful enough! As technology advanced, the way content was delivered to your home advanced as well from dial up over telephone lines, to satellite, broadband, ( DSL, and cable) to fiber optic – and now your computer is powerful enough (maybe). Add those together (larger bandwidth to deliver the content, and a powerful processor to view the content) and you've got the basic ingredients for a DECENT delivery of multimedia content to your home. I say decent, because a great deal of the content is still compressed in order to be delivered. And with the advent of beautiful High-Definition media, most Audio and Videophiles (like myself) would still prefer uncompressed media (or as uncompressed as possible) for our enjoyment purposes. But, MOST consumers are not that picky, so decent will do just fine. As a result, steaming multimedia content via the internet has become a popular option for folks who are looking for a quick way to get the most out of their home entertainment components without having to spend 100 dollars for a night out at the movies (well, it FEELS like 100 dollars). All the more reasons why companies are embracing this technology and making sure they bring their versions of streaming digital multimedia to the table. Companies like Amazon, TiVo, Netflix, Blockbuster, Sony, LG, Yahoo, Apple, Best Buy, and others are coming out with ways to provide customers with the ability to stream and download content available almost immediately. These companies know that: 1. We love technology 2. Our access to and understanding of technology is getting easier 3. Our money is tight nowadays 4. We are getting lazy (yeah, I said it!) The reasons above would behoove any company to "get right, or get left" (translated: It is probably a good idea to get out ahead then to be left behind) So companies are either creating their own methods, or partnering up with each other To make sure they are on your "list" when it comes to which service provider and/or company you plan to give you lazy dollars to in order to be entertained from your couch (remember; shower first!) Tagged: couch potato, digital media, streaming, tv on your pc       |
No comments:
Post a Comment