In the past few years we’ve see the rise of digital cable. Previously, viewers were limited to the shows playing at any given time. With digital cable and dvr technology, televisions potential is nearly limitless.
Digital cable, originally developed by Motorola, was a great step in the progression of television. No longer was television only a one-way process. With the ability to order pay-per-views at any time of day and watch shows “On Demand,” viewers were given total control of programming. While pay-per-view was available before digital cable, viewers were required to call their cable providers to order programming. With digital cable, only a remote control is needed.
Not only did digital cable introduce programming On Demand, but it was instrumental in beginning the high-definition movement on television. Before digital cable, every channel was broadcast in the same quality. Regardless of whether you had a 20 year old television, or a brand new, top of the line model, the television signal was exactly the same. Now, most local channels as well as selected national channels are available in both analog and HD varieties.
Digital cable was also responsible for the useful on-screen guide. For years television viewers were stuck with the miserably slow scrolling TV Guide channel. Now, not only can viewers scroll through the current programming, but all of the shows airing in the next week.
Another change that came about because of digital cable was the significant increase in the number of channels available. While 70 or so channels were nothing to scoff at, viewers now have the option to purchase channel packs leaving them with a total of 200-300 channels at any time. Combine this with the added On Demand options, and this becomes a television junkies dream.
DVR, or digital video recording, is a more recent addition to many cable packages. With digital video recording, or similar services such as TiVO, viewers can set their cable boxes to record their favorite shows. Not only will the cable box record the programming onto its hard-drive, but it can also recommend programming to you, based on what you’ve recorded. This is just one more example of machines becoming intelligent…Judgment Day must not be far off.
One interesting development in the near future of television is the US government’s mandated transition to high definition. Back in 2005, under the Digital Transition and Public Safety Act, our friends at the FCC stated that by February, 2009 all channels must be broadcast in High Definition. Personally, I think this is a great idea. Aside from regulation, censorship and CSPAN, the government has been largely absent from television lately. It is important for them to push media forward towards new capabilities. Granted, I cannot think of a single educational use for all high-definition television, but it is still a welcome upgrade.
Tags: digital cable, dvr, high definition
