Zapping the jargon
What's changing?
Digital terrestrial television (DTT) and high-definition television (HDTV) is on the way and it will involve a huge cost in transitioning networks and people to digital TV.
The process will allow a far greater array of terrestrial channels capable of transmitting images in high definition. RTÉ's DTT/high-definition trials will begin tomorrow.
Cross-platform and short-form content
Along with other broadcasters, RTÉ is experimenting with short-form content such as the comedy Dan and Becs, the episodes of which are short enough to run on both television and on web channels such as Bebo or YouTube. Some analysts believe short content on mobile devices will be the dominant audiovisual entertainment format in the future.
Home and extended home networks
Home networks can link PCs to TV sets and even lighting systems. Microsoft and Apple already supply software to enhance the connection between the PC and the TV. Technology from Sling media also allows you to connect your TV to your laptop wherever you have a broadband internet connection.
New internet TV services
Services such as Joost and Babelgum deliver TV-quality programming through the internet. Sky TV, which, along with the social networking site MySpace, is owned by News Corporation, is reported to be launching an internet TV service before the end of 2007. IPTV (standing for "internet protocol television") is television delivered only to the PC screen. There are hundreds of IPTV channels available on the web.
Personal media players
Video content can be bought from the US version of Apple's online iTunes store, and then played on an iPod video. They have already been on the market for two years and are the most popular of a number of personal media players. Portable games consoles such as the PlayStation Portable (PSP) can also play video content.
Simultaneous movie releases
One of the strengths of terrestrial TV has been the release of blockbuster movies to television. The era of a broadcast stranglehold on new movies could be coming to an end. Already internet entrepreneurs, such as broadcast.com's Mark Cuban, are buying into film production and releasing movies simultaneously in cinemas, on DVD and on cable TV.