OK, video was knocked out by DVDs some time ago, but I thought the title had a nice ring to it. Most of us are familiar with the catchy yet obnoxious 80s tune, “Video Killed the Radio Star” which launched one of popular culture’s most iconic turning points, MTV. The thought was that Music Television would bring you the marriage between music and moving image right into your home, giving birth to the music video -- so who would need the radio? 20 years later radio is still king of the airwaves and MTV is most certainly the god of anything music related on television. But what the MTV patriarchs did not anticipate is the colossal advancement in the 21st century.
On Monday, Steve Jobs, CEO and co-founder of Apple, unveiled the latest superstars; their very own mobile phone and what we will all learn to not live without, Apple TV. As we all know Mac is no timid freshman in the school of technology. It’s the quarterback, head cheerleader and valedictorian wrapped into one. Apple TV will be for video and film what iTunes was for music. One compact and concise unit to house all of your media, eliminating clunky discs – so, ultimately you can view everything on your big ol’ plasma while you sit on your ass. No trips to Blockbuster, not even a walk to your mailbox to pick up the latest Netflix package. All of those videos, television shows and films you downloaded to your iPod or computer can now be streamlined directly to your TV so you can watch it big and bold right in your living room. Of course, like any other initial product, it will take Apple TV and its competitors some time to warm up to consumers and prove its relevance in home entertainment.
Not impressed? You will be. Perhaps you're thinking like one of those non-cable-owning dudes from 1980 who were in denial until 1990 when they finally caved and joined the rest of the world, ‘what is this strange box? I can do without it. But why does everyone else who has it look happier than me?’ ‘Because it makes life easier and more fun A-hole,’ says the happy guy with cable/Apple TV. Don’t worry, you’ll catch on soon enough.
[My only concern with this shift is the quality of resolution. Will downloaded material be as good as a DVD? What about HD, can you even download it? If anyone can shed light on this please do.]
1 comment:
Well written article.
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