Apple TV

Updated May 1, 2012

Figure from apple.com

Let’s say that you enjoy watching Netflix, on your computer, but you would like to take the picture to your big screen TV. Your HDMI cable will work to transfer the picture, but you hate keeping your computer open while you’re watching your show. A different option would be to connect to Apple TV. According to Apple, Apple TV gives users the access to endless entertainment. Apple TV allows viewers to stream thousands of HD movies, TV shows, music, and slide shows. The way Apple TV works is very simple.

The device is about four inches wide and one inch high. All you need to do is place the device near the television and hook an HDMI cord from computer to device. The device will then transmit the picture to the TV. In earlier posts, I have talked about television with the capability of having internet installed into it. I was curious to know if you need a Mac computer for this function to work. Squidoo, a computer website, mentions that you do not have to own a Mac/Apple computer to use Apple TV. It will sync with a PC just fine.

One major advantage that Apple TV has over the rest is the ability to incorporate an iPad. Lindsey Swan, of Evaluated Math, reported that the Apple TV is able to sync to your iPad and mirror the image, on the iPad, to the television. She mentioned that teachers are beginning to use Apple TV, in the classroom, because they are able to roam around the room with the iPad. They are able to move slides on the projection with the iPad, instead of a stationary computer.

The price of owning the Apple TV is only $99. CNET, a computer information website, says the Apple TV's advantage is its low price, with built-in Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi can even project the internet to your television, without having to buy a new TV. CNET show the way the Apple TV works in a demonstrational video to the right. It shows users the simple model and how easy it is to store. It has an interface similar to Netflix in separating certain movies and shows. It flows from show to show and the picture quality is in a high resolution, which can be poor in the Netflix viewing.

Apple Continues to make strides, in the market, of all types media. I can only imagine what their next big product will be

Web Streaming Services

Updated May 1, 2012



Figure 1 Umpost.com

Web streaming services are the new wave, for entertainment. Services like Hulu and Netflix are among the top providers, for streaming content. The quora website says that Netflix has 100,000 physical DVDs, but the main use of Netflix is for streaming content. Netflix and Hulu provide a variety of options, from movies to TV shows.

Netflix was named 'Netflix' in 1996, not 'DVDs-by-mail' because the founders knew internet delivery would be ubiquitous. "Netflix provides two options for users. The first is the physical copy and the second is the streaming content; either through your computer, game counsel, or directly to your television; depending on if you have any of those options. The subscription fee for Netflix was between eight and nine dollars. However, in recent months, the subscription has risen to sixteen dollars per month.

Figure 2 themorton.com

Hulu offers a different spin, on streaming content. Hulu allows users to watch TV shows for free. They might not be the most recent episodes, but the content is free. Netflix will not allow you to watch your favorite show immediately after it airs, but for eight dollars a month, Hulu lets you view the most recent episodes of your favorite TV shows. Umpost mentions the pros and cons of the two services and reminds users to take advantage of the free month Hulu offers.

How do these services do so well? Hulu had 2 million subscribers for the 8/month service while it had 38 million visitors total. Bedbullit provided the number of Hulu users, in 2011. This is a great example of how many people are making the change to streamed content. The incline in users streaming content is believed to be because of the convenience of having all your favorite shows, in one location. The Mortan report states that Netflix has 23 million viewers. These are just two streaming sources available, on the internet. According to Magnet Video, streaming content has jumped 32%, from 2010. If these stats continue to increase will movie people still go to the theatre? The New York Times says

“The 24-Hour Movie now streams instead of unspools, filling our screens with images that, more and more, have been created algorithmically rather than photographically.”

Users will more likely wait for their content to get to their Netflix and Hulu instead of going to the theatre. These stats show that a continued increase could be inevitable. However, if you are a person who enjoys going to the theater or sitting at home watching the tube then do not worry because those mediums are not going anywhere any time soon.

Second Screen



Figure 1 New York Times

Updated May 1, 2012

Second Screen! Have you ever heard of this feature? It is what a lot of TV watchers are now using to avoid commercials that would otherwise interrupt their television experience. Many users watch their favorite shows, but as soon as a commercial comes on, they can choose to stream a new show or blog about the show they are currently watching. The ads are still on the screen, but the watcher’s attention is now diverted. Second Screen entertainment might be able to get away from full length commercials, but not all of the ads.

You might think, “Why would advertising companies want to invest in Second Screen advertisement?” According to forbes.com “eMarketer predicts that in 2012 about half of all U.S. mobile phone users will own smartphones, and about 25% of all internet users will own a tablet (mostly iPads). Additionally, over 70% of those tablet owners are already using their device simultaneously while watching TV, almost daily.”

CEO Seth Tapper, of Second Screen, gave an example to CYconvergence of how the Second Screen model works. If users are watching a specific TV show, like American Idol and commenting on the singers via the website, with their tablet, a full 30 second ad for Pizza Hut is being aired. An ad will also appear on their tablets, with a menu, and a possible “order now” button. The user might not be listening or watching the 30 second Pizza Hut commercial on TV, but they are still being exposed to the advertisement via their tablets.

Second Screen Networks defines Second Screen as social TV audiences being connected through their Second Screen. They are still linked to TV advertisements while also being exposed to running TV spots. The graph located to the right of the article, from Second Screen Networks, depicts how the connectivity works.

Companies are working to develop apps that will connect advertisements to all of your Second Screen using. Randal Stross, a writer for the New York Times, wrote an article about how apps will be trying to get users to opening up their Second Screen first  to keep them from opening their usually screen (TV) first. Posted to the right is a video showing the interaction available through second screens.

 Advertisers benefit through Second Screen because it will be accessing a site identical to the one the viewers are already watching, ultimately exposing them to the same advertisement they are already being shown, on the first screen.