Streaming media is increasingly being used for almost everything, which includes business and education. Increasing consumer demand supports this theory and social media habits encourage it. Consumers desire to interact with other users. The digital writing is on the screen. Over-the-top content is the new model of entertainment. The set-top box allows viewers to access internet applications.
Entertainment in the 20th century has taught us one thing. Nothing is permanent in the entertainment business, due to rapidly changing technology. Television is no exception to this rule. While many critics believe that traditional television will remain the same for a long time, they may be underestimating the popularity of the over-the-top delivery: content that arrives from a third party, such as Amazon Instant Video, Crackle, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, etc.
Over-the-top content may eventually oust the competition; meaning that the traditional bundle package may soon lose its appeal. I know this sounds contrary to the way we are taught to think, but this sort of cuts the middle man out, and I think the public is ready for change. The digital revolution will certainly have an effect on the entertainment industry.
A la carte makes better sense as we leave behind an outdated 20th century entertainment model. I feel that the critics are grossly underestimating the impact of a new television revolution. In fact, the new generation doesn’t really care about traditional television. They are more comfortable with the computer and all it has to offer.
You take YouTube for example. The younger audience spends way more time cuddling up to the laptop and watching the new age entertainers. These entertainers are very talented and they understand the uniqueness that the new media provides. Make no mistake, because the advertisers are making the transition as well. They acknowledge the transition and are actively moving the dollars to this new media.
The FCC is expanding avenues for over-the-top providers. The competition between online entertainment and traditional TV may soon be greater, thereby allowing live content to become more available to internet consumers.
The complicated part is going to be how sports is distributed. There’s big money generated from sports and this is going to be a factor.
Otherwise, many people are tired of paying for channels that they do not watch. If other viable options do become available, consumers are going to jump on it. Why pay for channels that offer little to no value?
And yes this does break the old model of doing business, but the old model is clearly outdated and broken.
