"Pushing the (Red) Envelope" (Mobile Video Culture)
Mobile video may seem like science fiction to some, and to others a precursor to something more. As a media-savvy citizen of the 21st century, mobile video is now expected of our devices. If we remember a funny clip from a tv show, we can easily google it or find it on youtube. Being mobile means that we have great conveniences in our pocket. We have an unlimited archive of everything that ever existed. However, this began as a privilege to only a select few who could afford it. I remember when 3G was the standard for mobile internet access, but only the other kids with large data plans could fully utilize it. It was slow but it was still the internet and it was everywhere; everyone wanted it. Since then we have made advancements in this technology through 4G and WiFi connectivity on our devices. The price of unlimited data plans has decreased and is now more easily accessible to everyone. The smart phone has gotten smarter and it is only in its infancy.
Services like Netflix and Hulu have become deeply ingrained in our digital culture. Even so to the point of personal recommendations, and access from any device, pretty much anywhere. Such viewing experiences have changed the way we consume visual media. Traditionally, the family gathered in the living room to watch a program together. Now, each family member has their own device with their own shows. Everyone watches something different. The experience is more individualized.
The industry has even catered to this new standard platform. Similarly to when the Beatles released their music on iTunes, you can now watch the popular show “Friends” on Netflix. Even if you don’t support the digital transition, when you buy a DVD or BluRay it now comes with the digital copy for free which can be accessed through your computer or smartphone. Everyone in the industry is pretty much on board at this point.
Digital data is pretty much safe from aging, wear and tear (unlike vhs or discs). However, there is always the question of piracy and illegal copying. Encryption has been a solution, however, is anything really “protected” anymore?
The idea behind screen culture is that we can be entertained from pretty much anywhere in the world, at any time. I wonder: what’s next? Google Glass was recently taken off the market, but virtual reality is still happening. The future is a scary thought.
Mobile video may seem like science fiction to some, and to others a precursor to something more. As a media-savvy citizen of the 21st century, mobile video is now expected of our devices. If we remember a funny clip from a tv show, we can easily google it or find it on youtube. Being mobile means that we have great conveniences in our pocket. We have an unlimited archive of everything that ever existed. However, this began as a privilege to only a select few who could afford it. I remember when 3G was the standard for mobile internet access, but only the other kids with large data plans could fully utilize it. It was slow but it was still the internet and it was everywhere; everyone wanted it. Since then we have made advancements in this technology through 4G and WiFi connectivity on our devices. The price of unlimited data plans has decreased and is now more easily accessible to everyone. The smart phone has gotten smarter and it is only in its infancy.
Services like Netflix and Hulu have become deeply ingrained in our digital culture. Even so to the point of personal recommendations, and access from any device, pretty much anywhere. Such viewing experiences have changed the way we consume visual media. Traditionally, the family gathered in the living room to watch a program together. Now, each family member has their own device with their own shows. Everyone watches something different. The experience is more individualized.
The industry has even catered to this new standard platform. Similarly to when the Beatles released their music on iTunes, you can now watch the popular show “Friends” on Netflix. Even if you don’t support the digital transition, when you buy a DVD or BluRay it now comes with the digital copy for free which can be accessed through your computer or smartphone. Everyone in the industry is pretty much on board at this point.
Digital data is pretty much safe from aging, wear and tear (unlike vhs or discs). However, there is always the question of piracy and illegal copying. Encryption has been a solution, however, is anything really “protected” anymore?
The idea behind screen culture is that we can be entertained from pretty much anywhere in the world, at any time. I wonder: what’s next? Google Glass was recently taken off the market, but virtual reality is still happening. The future is a scary thought.
-Angelo Lambroschino