DBS, Tapes, Discs, and the Internet |  |
Chapter Summary| Media history is filled with new technologies, some of which have caught on and others that have failed. And there are many in-between stories involving some failure and some success. Such was the case with direct broadcast satellite. The idea for DBS started in 1979 with a proposal from STC, but by 1984 even that company had pulled out of the field. After a dormant period that did see a growth in backyard satellite reception, Hughes revitalized the idea and became successful with DirecTV. Videodiscs had a similar, yet different, story. Various analog formats fell on their face, but the DVD received rather rapid consumer acceptance.
The first consumer videotape recorders were well accepted shortly after their introduction, but the rivalry between Betamax and VHS led to the demise of the Betamax format. In the audio realm, both cassette tapes and compact discs have had periods when they have thrived. The Internet has been a huge success, but it took on a life that was very different from what its founders expected. Started as ARPANET, a university-government computer link to aid research, it has evolved into an information exchange accessed by almost all facets of the world. Its reach and success have been greatly aided by the development of the World Wide Web and standard programming languages such as HTML.
Each of the technologies discussed in this chapter has a slightly different purpose, although there is also overlap. DBS is primarily entertainment oriented. It did not have to invent its programming content. Once Congress ordered cable networks to make their material available to DBS, it had ready-made programming. The cable networks, plus movies and special sports events, built its base for multiple channels. Music is the mainstay for audiotapes and discs and for various Internet-based services such as Napster. Videotapes were used initially to record off-the-air television programs. Video stores aided another use of tapes—the playing of prerecorded movies. Videodiscs did not record, so their primary purpose was the showing of movies. Video stores willingly added DVDs to the tapes they were renting and selling. Now DVDs are branching out to music, games, and other material.
Initially, the Internet was used for information rather than entertainment. Originally it was text only, but even when graphics were added the ISPs and search engines dealt primarily with information for consumers and businesses. It wasn't until the mid-1990s that radio stations began placing their over-the-air signals on the Internet. This led to Internet-only stations, streaming audio, and on-demand audio, often accompanied with visuals. Video over the Internet came even later and is still in its developmental stage.
All the media have challenges, obstacles, and threats. DBS has cable as a major competitor, and its overall ownership is still in flux. It also has to deal with must-carry and with expanding its subscriber base. Both audiotapes and videotapes are threatened by discs and hard drives. The PVR could have a major impact on video recording. DVDs try to keep compatibility so that they can play both audio and video discs. They also try to make the most of their interactive capabilities. At present, the Internet suffers from technical problems that inhibit the quality of its pictures and sound. It also has economic problems and copyright problems that could affect the basic structure of media delivery systems.
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