One, perhaps unintended, consequence of the Internet has been a radical change to the world of television. Television was always just that – television. Static programming, the TV guide in the Sunday paper and manually setting the VCR was just the way of the world. Today, we can program our DVR from our cell phone on the subway, watch the latest show on our lap top at work and view the latest updates to the TV schedule from an iPad. In other words, nothing is the same in TV land.
The same technology that gave us faster Internet speeds has also given us greater access to television programming. Many networks regularly provide full length videos of recent episodes for viewers online. They provide interactive graphics and schedule displays for programming and more, making television more an audience participation experience than a simple viewing experience.
The Internet has provided a new platform for which television can be viewed. Instant access to old classics and new episodes has made it possible to view television shows from anywhere with Internet access. Now, more than ever before, television is a true entertainment medium.
The future of television seems to be innately tied to the Internet. As more television providers are turning to the Internet to provide their customers with more power, technology is struggling to keep up. Today, the drive to incorporate the Internet into television has become bigger than the goal of integrating television with the Internet. We are likely to see televisions with complete Internet access, allowing for a true multi-media experience.
The Internet has changed the world of entertainment – specifically the way we view television. This change is only likely to continue as technology and the needs of television viewers develop.