LO2: Impacts of Technological Convergence

 Impacts of Technological Convergence

• TV - Traditionally TV was distributed only on ITV, Channel 4, BBC 1 and BBC 2 through a TV set with an analogue that needed to be tuned to the channel; services ending at 10pm causing the TV to simply go black. Everything that wanted to be watched would have to be watched when it was scheduled. Comparatively to modern day which uses streaming services, VOD, time-shifting and downloads to allow audiences to watch any TV content (as with traditional you could only watch what was scheduled) anytime. Furthermore, blackbox devices like smartphones and laptops allow audiences to watch this content on these multiple devices.

• Film - Traditionally films were reserved either for cinematic viewing in a cinema or to be bought after leaving the cinema by methods like VHS which made film viewing expensive; comparatively to now where films can be accessed easily via streaming services like Netflix or Disney + by internet connection or downloaded on services like Sky. Cinemas still releasing films for premiere and dvd's being available to purchase.

• Video Games - Video games were originally accessed via arcade cabinets in arcades and were designed to be paid for small prices every time you wanted to try the game, having to pay and restart everything every game over. Nowadays games are accessible via consoles and blackbox devices such as mobile games; whilst arcades are still prevalent, the modern way of gaming via a home console or blackbox device (computer) is much more popular.

• Magazines/Newspapers - Traditionally newspapers and magazines had to be bought from physical distributors. In modern day however, due to technological convergence these print products are now available online and can be updated instantly with real time news, being accessible via blackbox devices.

• Radio - Traditionally radio was either accessed via car commutes or by a physical radio that had to be tuned to certain radio stations. Now however, simulcast due to technological convergence has enabled people to watch radio: this seen in BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge with being able to listen to music played live via radio and watched on their website. Mark Kermode's film reviews also allowing for this, being able to be listened to on traditional radio and watched via the BBC's websites. A traditional radio station being Go BBC Radio.

• Music - Music traditionally was listened to either physically by going to a concert or playing an instrument, converting to vinyls, cassettes and eventually CD's which could be collected and featured albums of songs or random 'best of' mixes of various kinds of music however, it is expensive. Now music can be streamed via blackbox device and listened to anytime anywhere via services like Spotify or Youtube Music. Differently, now being able to choose what songs you want to listen to rather than the selection on vinyls, cassettes and CD's, the ability to burn CD's coming in Web 2.0.