A new technology progress called “hybrid television” is making steps forward in Europe. Although similar to other Internet television devices in that it broadcasts over the air to television sets, this technology also uses a broadband connection for more possibilities. The service would join as one the entertainment of television and the many benefits of the Internet. Almost half of British homes use a comparable service called Freeview that provides viewers with television free of charge. The hybrid television is somewhat based off this service, but would utilize the Internet for features such as on-demand. The new service called Project Canvas will be made available shortly in new televisions in Germany before it is fully launched.
The main attraction of the service is that it uses a sort of cable box for the television and, from there, broadcasters can choose what programs they wish to be shown. There would be a lot more freedom between networks and their viewers with regards to the programs they choose to watch. There are no plans for subscriptions and/or contracts increasing the freedom viewers will have with their televisions.
I think the freedom that is to be offered by Project Canvas is a positive step for television programming. I feel that more consumers would prefer the idea of a television service with “no strings attached.” This will definitely be more appealing during our country’s current recession, since consumer confidence is significantly low. This option could have the potential of being a cutback for those struggling financially, but it would not have to include major losses for the television viewer.
As someone who uses the Internet to watch repeats of favorite shows or missed episodes, I love the idea of this service. I could stick to my television screen instead of having to move back and forth from television to computer or vice versa. The hybrid television would more than likely have a larger selection than Comcast’s “On-Demand,” as it would boost the range and variety offered by the Internet. Because of this advantage, it would appeal to a bigger audience. This may also enlighten those unfamiliar with the Internet, young and old. If they are already comfortable with their television, they may be encouraged to surf the net, acquiring invaluably practical knowledge in this era of technology.
The article mentioned that at the end of a cooking show, there could be a web page with links to more cooking support or links to products mentioned during the show. I thought this was a great way to tie in marketing, in order for Project Canvas to lure other companies into broadcasting or advertising. It could possibly eliminate the need for the use of a search engine, as it would bring the viewer directly to what they may be looking for.
This seems like a product that could revolutionize the television and the living room. We are in a technological age that is changing everyday, and this service is one that seems to be right in line with the consumer’s demands. I am not surprised with its progress in Europe.
Pfanner, Eric. "Hybrid Internet-TV Makes Progress in Europe." The New York Times. 21 Sept. 2009.
I think that this is a great idea and that it will be very successful in Europe. Watching television on the internet, though convenient, is often difficult because of slow connection speeds or Flash downloads that are necessary. I would much rather watch a program on demand in the comfort of my own living room than sitting in front of the computer. Also, in our cable package at home there are many channels that nobody watches. It would be nice to be able to pick and choose which programs we want without having to pay for the others.
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