Future of Multimedia in Television



	The Future of Multimedia in Television "Transitions in view" Written by: Nicole Dickson and Rosita Kwan Hello! Welcome to our feature program, A Glimpse of Destiny. I am your host, Dr. Lovehandle. Today we are going to discuss the impact that multimedia will have on the future of television. We are also fortunate enough to have Astro Boy, the world-leading expert in this field with us to enlighten our feeble minds on the subject. The future is holding the remote control, and it is a matter of time before digital advancements will take over traditional analog broadcasting as we know it. Recently, there has been astounding evidence that a high definition technology will bring TV to a higher standard in the industry. There will be a lot of controversy with mixed feelings held by viewers, broadcasters, the government and etc. The decision to convert to a digital lifestyle will completely alter everything that we have been accustomed to for nearly a half a century. Once this digital plague replaces the "old fashioned" analog medium, there will be much more options and accessibility at our fingertips. Dr. L: Thank you for coming all this way to join us today... I know that you have a lot of important Astro business to attend. Astro: It is my pleasure. I am excited to be here and share my insight with the world. Also, I am here to promote my new book on the topic, Analog Is From Venus, Digital Is From Mars. Dr. L: Yes good for you. Now, how exactly does digital TV work? Astro: Digital TV processes information like a computer does, converting each element in a complete video picture to binary code. The binary code reduces the digital telvision signal to 193 million bits per second. To put this into perspective, residential phone lines can only handle 28 000 bits per second. Because of the compression, this allows vast amounts of information in video, audio, data services, interactive elements and much more. Dr. L: Can you define the advantages of digital as compared to analog sets? Astro: Well, it provides a superior viewing experience. Right now, televisions are in a 4:3 format, while most digital TV's will use a 16:9 aspect ratio similar to that used for motion pictures. With a bigger picture comes a better one. It has twice the clarity and you will never get blurry images on your screen. You will either get a picture perfect quality or nothing at all. Dr L: That's super! But tell me about the audio caliber. Does it measure up? Astro: Of course it will. Digital TV will deliver a CD-quality sound, with 5 channel Dolby and a sixth low frequency channel to enhance the bass. This is incredible because TV broadcasts are limited to using two channel or stereo sounds. Current television can't compare to digital. Dr L: How soon will this all come into effect? Astro: The U.S. government is allowing stations to broadcast traditionally until 2006. After that, if you do not have a digital TV or digital converter box, you will get no picture at all. Dr L: Sure, but what about the cost effectiveness? To gain control of the market, 750 million TV sets worldwide will have to be replaced. What is the hurry to shift technologies? Astro: Television has become increasingly inefficiently dangerous. This is because TV signals are sent over radio waves which also service such things as baby monitors, cell phones, microwaves, hearing aids and so on. As we use more of these devices, we are risking radio airwaves interfering with one another. Dr. L: What are the consequences of airwaves interfering with each other? Astro: I'll give you an example, using a laptop computer on an airplane during take-off or landing can cause major interferences with the airplanes navigating devices. Dr L: Will digital provide more television program choices? Astro: Definitely! Essentially, the viewer will be in control of what programs they want to watch and when. There are unlimited choices for the future viewer. Dr L: How will this effect commercials? Astro: Commercials will be much more interactive. Advertisers will be able to take advantage of the fact that viewers can order products with just the click of the screen. Dr L: Amazing! Astro: Yes! Also, television and the Internet will combine creating a more advanced WebTV. WebTV allows viewers to watch TV and have access to the web simultaneously. Clicking on an icon at the corner of the screen will shrink the television image so you can use the Web and vise versa. Dr L: Well, I am sorry but I believe our time is up. Thank you Astro Boy for your astounding and ground breaking news on this interesting topic. You have enlightened our views on the impact of what the future holds for us on television. Astro: It was a delight! Could I just add one more thing before I go? Dr L: Sure! Astro: You'll experience an adventurous journey through television, so hold onto your sofas because television will never be the same! Sources For Text: www.intris.com http://www.student.brad.ac.uk/ktlove/academic/misc/futuretv.html www.reboot.com Sources For Graphic: www.cnet.com/Content/Gadgets/Special/HDTV/index.html BACK TO PROJECTIONS

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