Television Technologies In Journalism - Research Paper Example

Television Technologies In Journalism Introduction: Journalism is one method that facilitates mass communication, and over the years, there have been notable and numerous advances in technologies that facilitate journalism. The print revolution as an aspect of journalism began in the fourteenth century, thereafter the arrival of telegraphy changed the manner in which people sent and received their messages. Telegraphy became a common channel of communication during the twentieth century. Next came the development of telecommunication, which was a faster method of gathering information by news reporters. However, reporters did not use telephones for transmitting information (Cianci, 13). This is because there were dangers of that vocal communication will result to errors and inaccuracies. On this note therefore, the telephone technology was a major contributing factor for the evolution of the radio technology. On the other hand, scientists were working on the technologies necessary for creating photography, television, and motion picture production. There are also changes in the manner in which photography occurs in the current century. For instance there is the arrival of digital cameras which makes it possible for photos to come out in an instance (Thumim, 17). Another aspect of mass communication is the evolution and use of computers for communicative purposes. Through this technology makes the internet to emerge as a channel of mass communication (Cianci, 27). For instance, the emergence of social networking sites like facebook, twitter, and my space have shaped the manner in which people communicate in the current century. On this bases therefore, tools of mass communication are always changing, and this is because of the emergence of a new technology that shapes the market. This paper identifies a technologies advance that journalists and common people use for mass communication. The technology in question is the evolution of digital television sets. This paper examines the technology in question, and projects its future outlook. In the process of these explanations, this paper identifies what will be made obsolete by the advances of this piece of technology, and whether it will benefit mankind. This paper has a conclusion, which is a summary of the main points found in the text. Digital Television: Digital television refers to the evolution of television technology that makes it possible to transmit audio and video images through a multiplexed and a digital signal. Due to the advances of digital technology, television sets have the capability of supporting different types of picture formats. These formats arise because of their combination of aspect ratio and size, and it is the broadcast television system that defines them. Through this technology, the transmitting format for images and video occurs under two categories, namely high definition television, and standard definition television (Keegan, 42). To construct a picture in a television, there are various picture elements in use. On this basis therefore, television definition is the number of picture elements, referred to as pixels and the horizontal lines, which are used in different formats. For example, when we say that the television definition of a particular set is 640 * 480p, we meant that there are 640 components in 480 horizontal lines (Johnson, 22). It is the differences in these television definitions that categorizes a digital technology as either standard definition or high definition. However, due to advances in technology, it is possible to use a standard definition signal, in place of a high definition signal. This is because the bandwidth of a digital television has multiple digital sub channels that provide numerous feeds, to television programming’s that are not similar. Any television technology must have an avenue of reception, and digital televisions are not an exception. One of the ways is the use of an antenna aerial to pick up the broadcasting signal. The main disadvantage with this system is that viewers can only watch the channels that the aerial signal can pick. However, there are other ways of picking digital television signals, and they are, the use of digital satellites, and cables. Mobile phones can also receive television signals, and this is by using the digital multimedia broadcasting technology. Other methods involve the use of an internet protocol technology to watch television via the internet. This method relies on an optic cable or a digital subscriber line to relay television signals. On this basis therefore, digital television has many methods of receiving signals, as opposed to the analogue television system which mainly relies on aerials to receive broadcasting signals. On this basis therefore, the following are the advantages of the digital television system (Thumim, 61); 1. The power needed to transmit the broadcasting signals is less. 2. It is compatible with the current trends of television technology such as DVDs, and blue ray. 3. It produces sharp and precise images. Despite these advantages, the digital television system has some disadvantages. For instance, they have a fragile system, and difficult to repair its signal reception capability in case something goes wrong with it. Its other disadvantages are that it has a limited color range, and it is not compatible with older television technologies, such as the analogue system. On this basis therefore, there is a need for improving this technology over the coming years. Future outlook of the digital television system and its impact: The kind of projection that I am making on this piece of technology is that it will have features that will make it possible for people to multi-task. For instance, a person will want to watch television, at the same he or she will want to cook, and also surf the internet. On this note therefore, the digital television sets will have features that will make it possible to connect oneself to the internet, while at the same time watching an individual’s favorite television show. The internet access hardware will create a hybrid environment that bridges the gap between an internet and television experience. These types of digital television sets will be beneficial to the younger generation of ages 18-24 years. This is because it is this generation that uses the internet for purposes of entertainment (Hutchins and David, 38). Television manufactures will therefore have to develop internet connecting hardware’s in television sets for purposes of remaining relevant in the market place. On this note, they will manage to compete with computer and smart phone technology in terms of the sales of its products. Because this technology will help in multi-tasking, it will help to save time, and viewers will have a lot of entertainment choices. On this basis, this type of advance in technology is beneficial to individuals/ mankind, and it will replace the television sets that do not have the capability of connecting an individual to the internet world. Advances are being made in regard to developing cables and software with the capability of connecting a television set to the internet. The digital television sets will also be interactive, as it will have software’s that will make it possible for an individual to choose whatever he or she wants to watch on the television screen. It will also have software’s that will make it possible for people to chat, or even do business through the television. For instance, a person can order a piece of cake, by just taking the remote of a television set, and making the order (Dyson, 28). This will make it possible, if there is a software that connects the television signals, with that of an individual’s mobile phone. This advancement will be useful to mankind because it will save on time. For instance, using the television set to do business saves on transportation costs, and the time in which an individual will use to personally present himself to the area of business. This technology will also revolutionize the manner in which people will communicate and interact with each other. It will help to create more friends, which is through its interactive technology that enables an individual to video-communicate with a friend or relative. This type of technology will replace the television system that does not have the capability of creating an interactive system (Thumim, 28). For instance, it will replace a digital television system that only provides communication through a one party, without the other party responding. This is normally the viewer. For instance, a viewer might have the capability of asking a news anchor some questions while he or she is watching the program, through the interactive software technology inserted within the television set. Conclusion: In conclusion, technology is ever changing, and what is relevant today, might not become relevant tomorrow. These technological changes are always shaped by the needs of mankind during the time. For instance, the computer systems were previously used by military organizations, but due to the need of efficiency in communication, these gadgets are used by virtually everybody today. On this note therefore, the television technology is no different. During the last century, the analogue television system was in use. The system was characterized by an aerial technology, which was to be used for receiving broadcasting signals. However, due to the need of a clearer signal, and a more advanced television technology, there emerged digital televisions. This television technology is compatible with modern trends of mass communication such as the DVDs, and the blue rays. However, as times advances, there will be need of developing the technology to suit other need to surf the internet and interact through the cyber space with friends and relatives. On this basis, by 2028, the television sets will have an internet cable, and the capability of creating an interactive session while watching an individual’s favorite program. Works Cited: Cianci, Philip J.. High definition television: the creation, development, and implementation of HDTV technology. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland & Co., 2012. Print. Dyson, George. Turing's cathedral: the origins of the digital universe. New York: Pantheon Books, 2012. Print. Hutchins, Brett, and David Rowe. Sport beyond television: the internet, digital media and the rise of networked media sport. New York: Routledge, 2012. Print. Johnson, Catherine. Branding television. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, 2012. Print. Keegan, Michaela. Television technology. Delhi: Research World, 2012. Print. Thumim, Nancy. Self-representation and digital culture. Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan, 2012. Print. Read More