Convergence is the term used to describe the process
of content being transmitted over different mediums and end devices
bringing content into our homes, such as the television, are changing.
The process of convergence has already begun with broadcasts and
services already being delivered via the computer, mobile phones,
PDAs and on plasma screens. This will continue to increase, particularly
as new technology becomes more sophisticated and affordable.
It is important to realise that convergence is about parallel
media interlinking rather than content delivery via one end device,
as there may be several.
Broadband services are vital in order for interactive web services
to work alongside television, as an upstream channel is needed
to allow interaction. In addition any commercially viable web
services delivered via the television would tie up the phone line
and it would cost a lot to convert existing website material into
content suitable for home television services.
A lot of cross platform pilots are currently taking place in
the broadcasting industry involving experiments with content that
works on television and interactive broadband, interactive narrowband
and on mobile devices. Trials are also taking place on multi-player,
cross-platform games. The way people consume content on-line is
different to the way it is consumed on television and it is crucial
that people find this technology easy to understand and simple
to use.
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