Homework Task

1. Compare an early TV-set from the 1950's with a modern TV from 2012. What are the similarities/differences? 
2. Research three different ways the Xbox Kinect has been 'hacked' and given a new life beyond gaming.
3. Give an example of how new technology has increased the 'production value' of the texts you have studied.

1950's Television-set:

• Small but very heavy
• Basic components only - volume
• 1 Channel only
• Black and white
• Box shaped

2012 Television-set:

• Thin in width 
• Bigger screen 
• Hundreds of channels available for free (Free view)
• More than just a television - books, DVDs, internet 
• Compatible with other devices 

Similarities and Differences:

• Both display at least one channel
• Both are a main source of the news
• 2012 TV has multiple channels
• 2012 TV is more advanced in technology - More than a Television
• Size is completely different - one is shaped like a box. The other is slim and wide.

2.

• Allows it to be used with a PC rather than the Xbox game console.
• Schools, art projects and to aid human-robot interaction
• Becoming multi compatible - Used for a wide range of areas such as a multi-touch interface

3. 

Homeland shows an increase in production value due to the high amount of competition with other platforms. The increase in highly valued stars suggests the production value of even small shows is incredibly high compared to the past. Downton Abbey's setting also suggests a significant change in the production value of media platforms in this current day and age. The huge castle and land would have cost a huge amount to rent for recording and producing. However it suited the genre and made the show feel even more real to the viewer giving a significant amount of reward for the show in increasing the production value.

Defend the view that technology has been either good or bad for the TV industry

The idea that technology has both contributed to positive and negative impacts on the TV industry has been in debate for years. The points I have addressed have made a valuable point on the hypothesis on both sides.
 
The fragmentation that has recently occurred in the audience of television suggests the diversity that technology has had. It is suggested that new technology has actually damaged audiences from before having a family unity all watching the same channel into a separation and becoming more individual. Products such as iPhones, iPads, laptops, 4od and the I Player have all contributed to the point I have made. However at the same time it is suggested that convergence is coming back into the concept of the TV industry. Media platforms will ideas together instead of keeping them separated and individualistic. For example perhaps just one source of media being the iPad. In which this suggests that the idea of this is bad in dividing families.
 
Production value has also significantly changed throughout recent years with the improvement of technology. It was thought to only see big industries such as Hollywood to use special effects such as CGI. However it is now common for these effects and programs to be used on the small screen as well. Homeland is an example where this can be seen. This contributes to the debate of technology having a positive impact on the TV industry.
 
Multi-channel viewing is another point to consider when addressing this hypothesis. It is suggested that TV has been forced to respond to the fragmented 'internet generation.' They came up with channels that suited this targeted audience very clearly with products such as; BBC HD, Channel 4od, E4, ITV Player and More 4. Through this you can now watch a variety of shows whenever you like including shows from other countries suggesting the new technology has made a positive worldwide impact.

In conclusion, fragmentation has suggested that the increase in new technology has affected the media industry in a negative aspect. However other significant factors such as the multi-channel viewing gives off the impression that the new technology has made a significant positive importance for the industry.