It looks like a whole new revolution in viewing TV has started. A number of companies have now come up with internet-enabled TV sets. Now, one can easily watch what they want, when they want it, from the comfort of their sofa. So does this mean the end of DVDs and cable or satellite TV subscriptions? Localized broadcasters feel they are not in danger; while there may be some issues, most viewers turn to local stations for area news and weather forecasts, so their customer base will always be there. Cable providers, on the other hand, offer viewers their own digital video recorders and customers are already watching programs at their leisure. Promoters of iTVs also say that cable will not die as long they give their customers the option of watching what they want when they want it.
The internet enabled TV sets can work by employing a USB dongle receiver that picks up the signal or the TV can be hooked to the home router box with an Ethernet cable. The broadband connection needs to be a minimum of 2 Megabits per second. Do not get too excited just yet, because full internet service is not available; for now, no Google search or web browser facilities can be accessed. This is because the internet services need to be expressly designed to be compatible with TV formats.
The variance in PC and TV screens was the biggest hurdle in keeping internet TV from being used successfully. Additionally, there was the issue of manufacturers’ compulsion to make customers use only their technology. All this has now been resolved. In the near future the number and range of streaming services available on the TV will increase significantly. The alliance between the major electronics, PC, and mobile phone companies to make products that can share digital material regardless of brand opens the way for greater variety of viewing materials available. When looking to buy products, make certain that they are Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) certified. In order to make the viewing process easy, producers have avoided browsers, cursors and keyboards. All users need is their remote devices to activate applications called widgets. These function in a similar fashion to smart phone applications. Information like weather, headlines, sports, or stock prices can be called up. Programming from different sources can also be accessed.
Sony has made deals with CBS Interactive, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo to make web content available on the Bravia HDTVs. Panasonic has an agreement with Google to provide YouTube videos available on their internet enabled sets. Other manufacturers are similarly offering their own options. While Google does consider itself to be a media company, 99% of its income over the last three year period is from advertising. The growing trend with digital and satellite TV manufacturers is to ultimately produce internet connected home theatres, so all concerned can share the profits. Even networks realize that the web offers a much larger audience base which translates to more advertising opportunities that are not available through regular TV.
It is believed that iTVs will fare much better than 3-D, because 3-D technology is burdened with a number of barriers. It is still expensive, content is limited and there is no inter-operation between the different mediums. Internet TV, however, can always be connected to the internet through the built-in feature. There is no in-between device like a set-up box, an adapter or game console. It is very easy to connect and it is coupled with the ability to access a wide range of providers like Netflix, Amazon, & Hulu and social networking sites like Twitter & Facebook. The newer sets even have Skype capability. This can turn the living room into a video call center, so keeping in touch with friends and family will take on a whole new level.
Guest post by Spencer Hogg from the Broadband Expert website where you can find and compare great Satellite TV deals.
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