Online Streaming is
the process of starting a progressive download of a file, where the file isn’t
downloaded to your computer, but is stored as data and streamed from a server. The decoder is a stand-alone player or a
plugin that works as part of a Web browser. The server, information stream and
decoder work together to let people watch live or prerecorded broadcasts. In a
simpler version, anything that is not physically stored on your device (phone,
laptop, etc.) that you are accessing via the Internet is probably streaming
from a server.
There is no denying the fact that we have seemingly moved from analog to digital mediums and there are no signs of this slowing down either. This can be seen in nearly every avenue of the entertainment industry, from recording to music and even landline to cell phones. Online streaming cuts the need for physical or analog mediums even greater, as everything you need is now available online and with the technological advancements of the cell phone, now available at your fingertips.
Two programs
that utilize online streaming and are together helping to eliminate the need
for physical mediums are Netflix
and Spotify.
Netflix is by far one of the most
widely used subscription-based digital distribution services, with over 33 million users and over a billion DVD’s delivered. I am a current Netflix user and so far I have not been disappointed with the quality of the products. One thing I wish they would improve is their movie selection, as there are many movies that they do not have. However, since I became a member of Netflix. I have barely watched television or physical DVD’s. The main downside of Netflix is that movies usually take about 6 months to come onto Netflix. So if you are willing to wait that amount of time, you really do not need to buy DVD’s, just pay the $9.99/month subscription fee.
http://cdn.sourcefednews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/netflix-logo1.png (2013)
Spotify is a music streaming service with
desktop applications available for Linux, Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. As a current
Spotify Premium user, I would highly recommend this for any music lover out
there. I have come across most albums/artists I have searched for on Spotify, which
amazes me! Their music library is very extensive and also includes live radio
feeds. For certain Rap/Hip-Hop artists, mixtapes are also included. Spotify is available
as a desktop application, as well as an app on your mobile device. I recently
purchased a new phone and so far I do not have one song on there because of
this app. It’s only $9.99/month and unlike Netflix, new songs get uploaded
pretty quickly.
What are your views on online streaming? Do you believe that
online streaming is helping to bring an end to physical mediums or that
physical mediums will still emerge through this digital revolution?
Also be sure to check out my Pro Tools 11 Review and my various
posts.
Below is a video of Netflix vs. Blockbuster
I think that online streaming is great. As a teacher, I used streaming in my classroom. I was able to get clips of movie that lasted only 1 to 3 minutes. It revolutionized the way that I could use media in my classroom! I also used Netflix on my computer and at home. It cut the cost of buying entertainment by nearly 75%.
ReplyDeleteJust imagine the impact that streaming has on the entertainment industry as a whole. Technology has changed the game in regards to who are the big players in the music and entertainment industry. Now there is room for other competitors like Spotify, ITunes, etc., to make money through these online streaming devices.
I feel that online streaming will put an end to physical mediums. For the consumer this is great, but to the entertainment industry as a whole, I think that these new technological advances will require them to develop new business models to stay ahead of the changes and they have to learn new marketing practices to maintain and increase profits.
Michael,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your post. I have to agree with you that streaming is definitely becoming the new norm, and it definitely has changed consumers’ behaviors and expectations. I like how you pointed how streaming not only has reduced the cost of entertainment, but also how we now have access to it on all sorts of portable devices, anywhere and everywhere.
Without doubt, I believe online streaming will increasingly grow within the next few years -- it will especially be interesting to see what changes take place within the music industry.
Thanks for a great post!
Rickie