Screencasts – Effective Technology Training in Enterprises

We had the rapid technology development of new mobile devices and platforms, virtualization, cloud computing, and more. But we also met the serious financial crisis in 2008. In enterprises, more and more people are upgrading their OA systems and products with new technologies. Nowadays high quality and low cost training of new technology is what enterprises looking for.

When an enterprise is going to adopt the new software product or a new system to provide them higher productivity and greater functionality, training is the must-have item before the technology is widely used. The traditional way of sending your employees or users to a training center costs a mass of money and time, and it means that you lose productivity from your employees. And the truth shows that, usually they don’t learn much in the training classes. When they start to use the new software application, they meet difficulties everywhere.

In this recession period, the inexpensive solutions which can achieve the effective result are the choices for most enterprises. As e-learning and knowledge management come to be popular in enterprise training, the task-oriented screencast presentation is a good solution for technology training in enterprise.

A screencast is a digital recording of computer screen output, also known as a video screen capture, often containing audio narration. It is a powerful tool to demonstrate technical tasks, or to illustrate technical concepts that are hard to explain in words with screen recording and slideshows.

There are two ways to do the training screencast: have someone done it or do it yourself with screencasting tool. There are some professional companies like AotoDemo that makes software demo and website demo for enterprise, but the cost is beyond some enterprises’ budget in this difficult time. To make it yourself, there are many software applications available to produce screencasts. What software you need depends on your computer platform and the content you want to make. The screencasting tool I suggest is DemoCreator for Windows. Some free solutions such as TipCam or Camstudio can also be your option. The main downside is that the free applications are almost with no editing features.

To make a screencast with DemoCreator, you have 4 steps to go: prepare your script, record screen activities, edit your recording, and publish your movie. Here we will take a look at some special features of DemoCreator:

Record the onscreen activity as slides for easy editing

DemoCreator record video tutorials with audio by screen capture, and show exactly how the application (such as PowerPoint, Photoshop and website) or system runs. The screen recording is saved as slides. This enables users to save the desired slides and discard the unwanted slides for their presentation.

 

 

Edit the recording tutorial with interactive objects for explicit illustration

There is a library of objects to decorate the recording, such as Flash animation, highlight boxes, and clickable buttons for directing users to another slide or a URL page. Users can enhance the presentation by adding the objects to make the illustration explicit. And it allows users to rerecord the narration or import the audio for the training content. Furthermore, multiple tutorial projects can be integrated as one.

 

 

Publish the presentation for online training

To make interactive training presentations, the predominately used publishing output media type in DemoCreator is Flash movie and Html. Trainers can provide the video tutorials compliant with SCORM or AICC. The screencasts are available through both commercial and open source learning management systems for school education and enterprise training.

 

The screencast training is clearer and more engaging than traditional teaching; the training tutorials can be played as many times as needed; the tutorial videos are for “anytime/anywhere” learning… These advantages make screencast an outstanding training method, especially in this tough economic time. For enterprise, the training content can be put on the Knowledge Management System like SharePoint or Learning Management System like Moodle for knowledge sharing and technology training. Then the trainees and employees can learn the technology on Internet freely.

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Desktop Video Conferencing Consumer Version Technology Such As VOIP

Desktop video conferencing is the consumer version of the “picturephone” services used by large corporations. If the analysts are correct, desktop videoconferencing is set to take off. Technology such as VOIP can be used in conjunction with desktop videoconferencing to enable face-to-face business meetings without leaving the desktop. Desktop PC videoconferencing promises to make this a reality, although it remains to be seen whether there is widespread enthusiasm for video calling. We have everything you need for audio, video and desktop conferencing. We expect that the roll-out of desktop conferencing kit shouldn’t take anywhere near as long as that.

The vastly improved technologies, in particular high-quality desktop options, and the productivity and cost benefits make an overwhelmingly powerful case for flexible conferencing. As broadband connections increase, expect to see desktop videoconferencing blossom. As a result, desktop conferencing is not yet widely implemented for business and educational use. You can meet face-to-face with colleagues and clients using desktop video conferencing and real-time audio conferencing. Room-based vs desktop conferencing Video conferencing uses telecommunications of audio and video to bring people at different sites together for a meeting. Desktop video conferencing is a form of communication and as such it utilizes one of the communication field’s favorite words: bandwidth. The quality of the service provided by desktop video conferencing is limited by the amount of bandwidth available in the chosen communications channel.

Audio Conferencing is generally used to hold group meetings or live presentations through audio channels. It’s a kind of video as well as audio conferencing, in which both the people can view as well as hear each other. Audio ConferencingAudio Conferencing can help improve efficiencies across all departments, whether that means planning budgets, making company-wide announcements, or holding training sessions. VITA’s data conferencing can be combined with a wide range of audioconferencing options including toll-free calling and conference recording.

Welcome to the future of audio, video and web conferencing. provides premium audio conferencing, web conferencing and webinar solutions to small and mid-sized businesses and the world’s leading enterprises. TotalView combines audio conferencing, videoconferencing, and data collaboration in one compact and affordable center-of-the-table device. The DM64x family is capable of simultaneously handling both audio and video encode/decode for IP based video conferencing applications. Buy video conferencing equipment that can include text and audio conferencing options for your home or office today. The high-quality, life-like video and crisp, clear audio guarantee that meeting participants are experiencing the best videoconferencing quality available. TEN Audio Visual is an independent and impartial e-communications supplier of audio visual, video conferencing and audio conferencing facilities.

The main video conferencing system is located on the second floor in room 2-52. recently announced QuickTime Conferencing, a system extension to the Macintosh operating system, and a new component building upon the original QuickTime architectural framework. Imagine a video conferencing system that is battery-powered, wireless and network-enabled. If all access to your conferencing system will be made via the Web, then compatibility with other environments is not an issue. A conferencing system is Web-based if it uses Web browsers and servers to provide most of its functionality. Operating system platform might also be a key determining factor, especially if circumstances require you to run conferencing from an existing Web server. Select a webconferencing system that support application broadcasting, and you can show the application directly from your computer.

Spend no more than two minutes to introduce your event and cover the features of your webconferencing system. “A hacker could very easily take administrative control over the entire conferencing system. Caucus is a web conferencing system that can be used for both public and private discussions. But there is more to a conferencing system than any particular structure. MOREnet e-Conferencing users should seek system setup technical assistance from their local technical personnel or Event Manager. PicoSpan, a Confer-like conferencing system, which was originally meant to be light-weight version of MicroSpan.

http://www.conference-teleconferencing.info/conferencing/

Technology: Helping or Deminishing our Children

It seems like every generation has something that could affect the well-being of children. Back in the 50’s, Elvis was viewed as a horrible influence on the youth, then came the Beatles, short skirts, the Simpsons and so on. Most fads either eventually become an acceptable part of our society or they fade away. But, what about this new technology that is at the fingertips of our youth? Is it something we need to worry about or embrace?

There are many pros and cons of children having cell phones, video games, television, iPods, the internet and so on. After doing some research, I have found many suggestions to modern technology.

Video Games: Video games have been proven to improve hand-eye-coordination. Yet, video games alter kids’ perception of reality. Children live vicariously through video games rather than going out and learning to do what they are playing on their system. Therefore, monitor the playing time and the games they are allowed to play. If they are playing a game (for example) like skateboarding, encourage them to explore the actual sport thereby getting them away from the television while combining the enjoyment they clearly hold for that game.

Television: When watching fast paced television, it decreases the reptilian system (the part of the brain that provides instincts such as fight or flight and basic emotions.) Also, it prevents children from creating their own pictures in their head like they would when reading a book. This decreases their ability to create their own symbiotic thought. To prevent this, ask your child about what they are watching, this forces them to recreate the image in their own head and strengthens their symbiotic thoughts. Monitor the types of shows and the length of time the children are viewing television.

Internet: The internet can be a very scary place. A big hit with kids these days is MySpace, which is a site where anyone can put up their own picture and have their own mini-website to talk with other people on MySpace. It is an excellent way of keeping in touch with friends, but kids need to be careful of sexual predators. In July of 2007, MySpace administrators found and deleted 29,000 accounts on MySpace that belonged to convicted sex offenders. But, being a nineteen year old who has had a MySpace for years, I know that it’s very easy to avoid these people. Talk to your kids and warn them of this. Make sure they only accept friends on there that they knew previously and to never meet someone in person no matter how nice they seem. The internet also decreases social activity, since they are not looking directly at the person they are talking to nor having to actually participate in an on-going conversation. Make sure you limit the time your kids can spend on the computer.

Cell Phones: Cell phones are perfect for emergencies and a great way to stay in contact. There are not too many downfalls to a cell phone except for the obvious of talking while driving. Each parent should decide based upon their personal situation and maturity of their children when a cell phone would be appropriate.

Overall, modern technology certainly makes life easier and provides readily available entertainment. However, at all times, it should be monitored and at no time be allowed to consume the entire free time of children. Children still need to socialize face-to-face without the use of an electronic device.

Don’t be put off by technology- Broadcast your event globally – with video webcasting

First Sight Media have been providing webcasting & broadcasting services for a range of companies and educational establishments for some years. They are pleased to announce an expansion of the service to the live event and conference market. The advantages of using live broadcast Webcasting your event live instantly reaches a global audience – sending television pictures over the Internet.

Video can be played full screen, or as part of a well designed webpage on the computer.

This service enables the viewer to enjoy the event from the comfort of their desk or at home which in turn saves the organiser time and money flying in overseas delegates. This means exhibitors; marketers and conference hosts can extend the reach of their event and services to an audience who would otherwise not hear their message.

Using the latest technology, First Sight can allow the speaker or organiser to interact with the delegates watching remotely around the world.

The webcast is then immediately available on the client’s website for “On Demand” viewing once the event is over, permitting delegates to see the day’s events once more and for a new audience to take part at a time of their choosing.

 Webcasting technologies run on all modern computers using familiar and in-built technologies like Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player – products that are already installed on the majority of computer systems in use across the world. Broadband internet penetration now means that even domestic users in their homes can access live and on demand video steams – something that was only a dream just a few years ago.

And with advances in computer technology, such as Intel Quad Core, and high powered laptop computing, First Sight Media are able to use small portable broadcast quality equipment on location to capture, record and transmit events onto the Internet, where only a few years ago large Outside broadcast trucks would have been required. And with the technical progress, comes lower costs. Internet Television transmission costs only a fraction of traditional broadcast TV.

“Many companies are daunted by the prospect of broadcasting an event live. In some cases they assume the costs would be too prohibitive. We specialise in making the whole process as simple and easy as possible’ enthuses Paul Hooper, Managing Director. ‘Anyone across the globe with an internet enabled computer can view the event live- in real-time! It has greater viewing potential than any terrestrial or cable television station. ”

New Technology in Web Development – .mobi and Web Videos

.Mobi is a New technology which is empowering the businesses to enhance the online presence of a web site. These new technologies give web site owners a boost in their business.

Mobi Websites

Mobi, also known as DotMobi, is a top-level domain extension recently approved by ICANN and managed by the mTLD global registry dedicated to delivering the Internet to mobile devices via the Mobile Web. It is financially backed by world’s largest companies such as Google, Microsoft, Nokia, Samsung, Ericsson, Vodafone, Hutchison and VISA.

.mobi websites are optimized for viewing on smaller screens such as mobile phone, PDAs, and smart phones. Due to small viewable area, and lack of download speed, .mobi websites are optimized with simplicity and faster download time.

With the rapid surge in the sale of mobile and heldheld devices worldwide, there is no doubt that the mobile content is going to be the next big thing with the mobile phone users. Already companies are paying more than 0,000 for buying .mobi domains (Flowers.mobi sold for 0,000) indicating huge potential for this medium. However, the challenge is that .mobi sites need to be re-developed and customized specifically for portable devices.

There are some Web Design Company that have the technology and skills to deliver online content onto mobile devices. They effectively convert your current website to .mobi, or optimize existing website for mobile devices. A few examples of ,mobi sites are:

* www.bmw.mobi

* www.google.mobi

* www.asiapacificdirect.mobi

Web videos

A documentary depicted in a video can be more effective then told directly to the listeners as they get to watch and feel the happenings rather than just hearing them. One of the great things about the Web is that there are so many tools at our fingertips. We can use text, animated graphics, photos, audio or video to tell a story. Video is experiential, immersive, emotional – it puts you at the scene, gives flavor and personality, and of course, shows motion. There has been a huge surge in the traffic to the sites offering video facilities. A few examples of sites using Web Videos are :

* www.shadesofebony.co.uk

* www.rent-a-cloud.com

* www.youtube.com

3g- Technology

 

What is 3G?

 

3G (Third Generation) is also known as UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) and is said to be the next generation of mobile network. 3G is described by Cellular (2004) as being a generic name for a set of mobile technologies which comprise a host of high-tech infrastructure networks, handsets, base stations, switches and other equipment. This technology enables cell phones to offer high-speed Internet access, data, video and CD-quality music services.

 

The introduction of 3G

 

3G cellular phones were first launched in Japan in October 2001 and were introduced into South Africa in December 2004. This phone was designed so users would be able to surf the Internet, view pictures of the people they are talking to, watch movies and listen to music on their handsets .

 

The difference between 3G and GPRS

 

GPRS and 3G serve similar functions but 3G data services are the next step up from GPRS (Vodacom, 2004). The main difference between these two technologies is that 3G is able to achieve significantly faster data transfer rates and this enables one to work faster. 3G offers speeds of up to 384 kilobits per second – that is up to 7 times faster than a standard dial-up connection.

 

What are the benefits of 3G?

 

With 3G you can do everything you do now, but you can do it much better, a lot faster and from almost anywhere! Some of the main advantages are that 3G allows for higher call volumes and supports multimedia data applications such as video and photography.

  

  

The effects of 3G on society

 

Some of the latest features which have been brought about by this technology are :-

           

 

 

Video calling

 

With 3G you can now actually see the person on the other side! As long as both people have a 3G phone you no longer have to imagine what they look like and you can see them face-to-face via your cell phone’s screen.

 

Obtaining information and news

 

With 3G technology it is possible to access any site on the Internet by using your phone as a modem with your laptop. You can use your favourite search engines to find information on the weather, the daily news, stocks and shares, or practically any other information you require to ensure that you are continually on top of things.

 

E-mail

 

Should you have left your office and forgotten to send an important e-mail, you are now able to quickly and efficiently perform this function directly by using your cell phone. Alternatively, you can use your cell phone as a modem to be connected to your laptop or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant).

 

Games

 

Since the invention of cell phones, games have always formed a part of mobile devices. As technology has developed, the games we are able to engage in have become far more interactive, exciting and entertaining. For those who play games over their mobile devices for recreation purposes or for those who simply play to pass the time, 3G now makes it possible to download these games at anytime and from almost anywhere.

 

Film

 

The speed and quality of 3G really contributes to enhancing the quality of film over mobile devices. One is now able to view film trailers, reviews, and interviews, download ring tones, wall papers and enter competitions all by means of your cell phone.

 

Sport

 

With the incredible sound and video quality of your 3G phone you can view highlights from your favourite matches and you’ll always have access to the latest scores.

 

Music

It’s now possible for you to download songs, music videos and interviews. You can even compose your own ring tone through your cell phone if you wish!

 

3G and its impact on websites

 

The importance of having a web site in today’s world is evident. Some have even gone so far as to say that if your company does not have a web site, you do not exist! With the introduction of 3G technology, this statement will probably become more and more true as people from across the globe will soon be able to access the Internet at almost any time and from almost any place.

 

How are 3G services charged?

 

Users are charged on how much data they transmit and not on how much time they are connected to the network. This is because with 3G you are constantly online and only pay for the information you receive (3G Newsroom.com, n.d).

 

The future of 3G

 

A great deal of potential exists for new applications in the future as 3G packet based networks will allow users to be on line all the time. The capabilities of wireless networks in terms of bandwidth must still, however, be improved upon (3GNewsroom.com, n.d.).

 

Conclusion

 

3G is an exciting new technology that is being incorporated into mobile devices across the globe. Users are now able to make person-to-person calls, download data and do a variety of other tasks they never imagined possible all via their 3G cell phones.

Abusing the Mobile Technology

Everything is almost possible with mobile technologies. Yet, the drawbacks include losing privacy, money, and even dignity. The unremitting advancement of technology intends to make life easier but it is also being exploited by some deceitful groups in robbing an individual’s security.

There are always some good and bad effects of technology. Technology plays a significant role in our daily existence-making way of life more gratifying and convenient. However, manipulating it the other way around could lead mankind to inconveniences and troubles.

Pornography
As more and more pornographic videos are out of control, so many are induced to engage in illicit pursuits. Even minors can access them and this makes it more alarming. Parents do not have enough control of the messages their children receive and send as well. Without proper guidance it could influence young persons into formulating irresponsible decisions in the future.

Videos of sexual encounters among boyfriend and girlfriend relationships are common sex-related scandals. Some use the videos to blackmail the other partner. Pornography tends to lower the moral values of a society. Because of the uncontrollable proliferation of such things, society began to accept pornographic videos as a natural form of entertainment. This too causes it to be harder for the authorities to regularized adults videos.

Stealing Money
Robbers have creativity in stealing money. They would send messages informing that you won a grand price. They would then convince victims to claim their price and it shall be processed when they transfer a certain amount of money to the criminal’s account. Unfortunately, there are a lot of reported cases about text scams and the robbers were able to influenced victims to transfer money in their account.

Misleading information
Just as information dissemination is beneficial to many, it is also as damaging if information is misleading and inaccurate. Likewise, forwarding messages that is unverified and half true is destructive. It can worsen an already bad situation and can even trigger irreversible circumstances. Precise information is extremely crucial to highly sensitive jobs such as security, intelligence, bomb diffuser and others. One or more individuals may be killed or terrors may multiply due to fallacious reports.

Reported cases of bomb scares through text messages brought tension to business establishments thus stopping them to go on with normal business routine. This creates paranoia and anxiety instead of better productivity and richer communities.

Isolation
Over use of mobile technology can lead someone to isolation. Without realizing, the constant use of mobile phones lets a person forgets to be present at the place he is in. He can be present with his family but his concentration is not with them. Additionally, it also lessens the person’s span of attention and can lead to loss of focus. This is due to so much information available that one can get.

Loss of Privacy
Technology can assault one’s privacy. This is possible by the tracking device of the network providers. Upon request, they are able to track down the mobile subscriber and one can easily be located by the network. Conversations over the phone can be tapped too making highly confidential data prone to untimely disclosure. This is especially disadvantageous to government’s tactics in protecting the country from promising security threats.

Proper and conscientious operation of mobile phones would yield higher global efficiency and output. But if exploited, it would almost equally generate the same degree of damage. It is no longer a question of how bad technology can affect people. But it is how people embrace it to the society’s full advantage and not to one’s personal interest alone.

Game Controller ? Stimulating the Hand Technology

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Game controller is an input device that is used to control video games.
They are connected to either a video game console or a computer and is installed to govern the movements or the actions of an entity in the game. The example of a game controller is not confined to joysticks but even keyboard and mouse can serve the purpose of being a game controller.

There are various types of game controller available in the electronic hardware market. Some of the most common ones are game pad, paddle, joysticks, steering wheel for driving games, light gun for shooting games, motion sensing and others. Some devices, such as keyboards and mice, are actually generic input devices and their use is not strictly limited to that of a game controller.

Due to the technological advancements in the electronic markets, these game controllers have become obsolete, thus forcing the game controller manufacturers to bring some more effective and convenient game controlling devices in the markets. To sought this purpose, an Israeli company called 3DV Systems has come up with a Wii video game console that allows one to enjoy any game directly using their hands on the screen. This device unifies a new ZCam, a 3D camera that plugs directly into a PC. The Zcam works by emitting short infrared rays pulses and then measure the reflection of the objects. The sophisticated software algorithms present do the job or interpreting these reflections in a manner that the system is capable of judging distance and secernate between various objects and also someone’s hands.

Due to the fact that it is entirely dependent on reflection of the light from the camera, it does require ambient light to work, thus allowing the camera to work effeciently in a dark room as well. This technology has the ability to be autonomously applied to existing software. The vice president of the company Tomer Barel also plaudits that this software can key on in the hands of the gamer, even between the fingers and can run various applications based on what that person does with their head, hands, fingers, or torso.

After proving its mettle in various field including military, this software has its focus for now on video games and how the ZCam technology could make a dent in the traditional interface market. The company is planning to license the technology to the potential console makers like Sony and Microsoft, and is against the idea of selling it directly to the game controller sellers and manufacturers.

This product is very much similar to Sony’s eye toy, but the eye toy works in 2D only, therefore limiting their effectiveness for games like boxing only. Barel was also quoted claiming that “The limitation of 2D is that it only can detect motion when it’s to the side. It cannot detect motion when the background is yourself.” With the benefit of applications beyond the video game, this technologically advanced product can be applied to one’s existing product.

Following the footsteps of Nintendo’s motion-sensitive Wiimote controller for its Wii video game console, that became a success all over the world, 3DV too is cashing upon its Zcam 3D camera with an aim to move the technology genre forward even further.

Amazing Innovations In Video Streaming Technology

Three years ago, adding streaming video for your website would definitely give it the wow factor that could distinguish your pages from their competition. It would give your regular visitors something to be excited about, and it would provide for your website enough buzz that could potentially generate a lot of traffic.

Nowadays, the rules of the ballgame have changed. People, in general, have become accustomed to streaming video, live or pre-recorded. It just doesn’t have the umph effect that it once possessed, partly because the method has been overused, and partly because the technology behind it has become rather stale.

This shouldn’t be taken to mean that videos are totally useless for your website, however.

They’re not. They still remain as amazing tools that could stir up a lot of fun for your visitors, only, the traditional ways of creating and implementing them have become old.

Nonetheless, if you want to create streaming video the old fashioned way, the only thing you have to do is to prepare a video file. This video file must have either .wmv, .avi, .mpeg, .mov, or .rm extension. Thereafter, you’d only need to upload it to your web hosting server and provide a link for the same. Every time your visitors would click on the link, the appropriate viewing program would automatically start and they’d be able to view your presentation.

If you desire true streaming, then you’d have to upload your video file in a dedicated streaming server. This would allow your visitors to view the feeds as they arrive, and is perfect for live events.

Another method is progressive streaming. This means that your visitors can immediately watch your video file while they are downloading the same. This is the most popular approach these days. Websites like www.youtube.com are implementing it. You’d also need a dedicated streaming server for this.

Here are some dedicated streaming servers you could avail of:

http://www.realnetworks.com/products/mas
http://www.macromedia.com/software/flashcom

http://www.apple.com/quicktime/tools_tips/services

There are novel models that have been introduced in recent years that brought additional life to the medium, especially on a marketing perspective.

Video testimonials, for example, can become powerful tools for sales pages. The problem is, sales pages should load up fast, and video streaming might make the process slower, which would prove fatal for your conversion rate. Thankfully, you could convert your video files into miniscule .swf files and stream them using derivative RSS technology. No need to subscribe to a dedicated streaming server for this one, as technically, your video is not a video file, it’s a Flash file!

Downloadable video files have also been given a new lease in life with the surging popularity of videocasts. Since more and more people are downloading video files these days to upload them in their iPod Videos or other portable video players, a back to basics approach, with a little innovative twist, has been deemed proper. Downloadable video files are experiencing a renaissance.

Also, many marketers are fast realizing the potentials of using videos in lieu, or in support, of manuals for their products. Studies show that pursuing this approach have reduced the number of technical queries from their customers by as much as 67%. The reason? People respond more to what they could see and hear, compared to what they could merely read. Since videos are instructive by their very nature, they are perfect tools for this purpose.

Also, many marketers are creating video products to supplement their packages. Doing such has been proven to increase their sales rate by as much as 23%. Furthermore, with the seeming professionalism attributed to video creation, marketers can justify a higher price for the packages they offer.

Video streaming, and videos in general, are internet marketing staples. Though some approaches may grow stale, a little creativity would catapult them back again in the limelight. Such is the power of videos for marketing purposes.

Computer Technology Merging With TV Technology More All the Time

Over the past decade, there has been a phenomenal amount of crossover between computer technology and TV technology. This is especially surprising given the fact that most Americans have largely rejected the idea of a living room computer. However, most of the computer technology that has found its way into the living room hasn’t had the overt appearance of a personal computer.

The earliest example of an acceptable piece of computer equipment in the home entertainment center (that wasn’t a video game platform) was the digital TV receiver. The widespread use of these devices actually dates back to the early nineteen nineties when satellite TV became economically viable for typical households. By all outward appearances, it would have been easy to blur digital TV receivers together with any other set top box, but underneath it all was the fact that they converted digital data to the sounds and images that made up TV.

The DVD player was a much more obvious example of the blurring between computer and TV technologies. After all, by the time that DVD players became common, CD-ROM drives had been on computers for years. Since both are optical drives, and computers and DVD players loaded their discs in similar ways, the resemblance was pretty plain. Of course, CD’s had been in stereo systems and computers for years, so people were already used to seeing the resemblance there.

The next major change was the digital video recorder. DVR’s as these devices are more commonly known, can record video onto computer hard disks and then play that video back later. Most models also automatically record whatever the viewer is watching live in order to enable the pausing and rewinding of live TV. Among the advantages that DVR’s have over VCR’s is an ease of programming that none of the manufacturers of VCR’s ever got right. Another advantage of DVR technology is an ability to watch recorded programs in any order. That’s because a hard disk doesn’t store video sequentially like a video tape does. In other words, a video file can simply be accessed without the time wasted cuing through other videos.

Over the years, computers have also taken on a number of the same capabilities that’s previously only been reserved for TV sets. For example, it’s been possible to buy a special TV tuner that can be installed in a computer for years. These devices allow computers users to watch TV right on their computer screens. These days though, this capability is standard on many computers to some extent. For example, most modern computers can display streaming Internet video on their screens and laptop computers have been used to watch DVD’s for years. There are also now special adapters available that contain a TV tuner and connect to laptop computers through a USB port so that users of laptop computers can watch TV on the screens of their laptops.

The most obvious hybrid between computers and TV equipment is the media center computer. These devices are DVD players, DVR’s, digital receivers, and Internet browsing machines all combined into a single unit. They’re likely to be the future of TV technology.