HDTV and Home Theater Podcast #340 - 2008 Prediction Scorecard

[arad]

Technology moves faster now than it ever has before. Things that were cutting edge just a year ago are almost antiques already. 2008 saw some really great and exciting things in the world of HDTV and Home Theater. Back in January we tried to predict what we thought would happen. Let's take a look at our predictions to see how we fared.

[url=http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/podcast/2008/12/hdtv_and_home_theater_podcast_340_-_2008_prediction_scorecard.php]Read Show Notes[/url]

[hharris4earthlink]

Things moved so fast in 2008 that it was hard to keep up. I predict 2009, partially because of the recession, will see some consolidation of competing concepts. Technologies like Sony's "Home," Microsoft's "Live" and Linden Labs "Second Life" will merge when everyone realizes it's to their benefit to create the best possible experience for every platform. This will allow Sony and Microsoft to hawk their games in the largest and most interesting universe, very analogous to the reason that computer game exhibitors show their wares under one roof these days. It makes economic sense. The next step, and the reason I bring this up in this forum, is that the most likely unifying display method for this concept is HDTV.

By 2010 consumers will have a choice of two basic types of entertainment which will be called "passive" and "active." Today's TV is passive. Many shows in 2010 will allow the viewers to participate as high-resolution avatars, effectively merging the broadcast and game industry.