The entertainment industry is constantly changing. What was popular yesterday may be passé today. To stay ahead of the curve, businesses in the industry must continuously adapt and innovate. Here are some technologies that have transformed the entertainment industry over the past few decades.
1. VHS/DVDs:
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, VHS and Betamax tapes were introduced as a way to watch movies at home. This was a significant shift from having to go to the movie theater to watch films. Soon after, DVDs became the preferred format for watching movies at home.
DVDs allowed for higher-quality visuals and sound than VHS tapes. They also didn’t require rewinding as VHS tapes did. Despite DVD sales beginning to decline in the late 2000s as online streaming became more popular (more on that below), they are still used by some people today.
Therefore, it was undeniable that the introduction of VHS and DVD technology changed the way people consumed movies, giving them more control over what they watched.
2. Online Streaming:
Speaking of online streaming, this technology has completely changed how people consume entertainment. Services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime allow people to watch TV shows and movies whenever they want, without having to wait for them to air on TV or go out and buy/rent a DVD.
Online streaming has also led to the rise of “binge-watching,” where people watch multiple episodes of a show in one sitting. This has changed how TV shows are written and produced, as producers now have to take into account that people will be watching multiple episodes at once instead of just one per week.
For example, a show might have a longer arc that plays out over the course of several episodes, or specific plot threads might be left unresolved until they are addressed later in the season.
3. Learning Platforms
Gone are the days of having to find someone who can teach you guitar or piano. Now, with the help of learning platforms such as Rocksmith and Playground Sessions, people can learn guitar and piano at home in their own time.
These platforms provide an interactive way for people to learn how to play guitar or piano, but if you’re somewhat old-fashioned and want to know the personal way, technology can still help you. People can search for establishments offering guitar training and book sessions in advance through the internet.
They also have access to a multitude of video lessons and tutorials that can help them learn new techniques. This has also changed how people know and consume music, making it more straightforward and accessible than ever before.
4. Virtual Reality:
Virtual reality (VR) is a newer technology that is becoming more prevalent in the entertainment industry. VR allows users to immerse themselves in a digital world using headsets. While VR is mainly used for gaming right now, there are other potential applications for VR in the entertainment world, such as movies or TV shows where you can choose your own adventure or virtual concerts where you can feel like you’re right there in the front row.
VR is still in its early days, but it has a lot of potentials to change how we consume entertainment in the future. For instance, you could watch a movie in an entirely different environment or wander through a digital world while still being at home.
Additionally, VR has the potential to open up new ways of creating content. People could make entire worlds in VR or produce interactive experiences that wouldn’t be possible with traditional media.
5. Augmented Reality:
Augmented reality (AR) is similar to virtual reality, except it overlays digital information on top of the natural world instead of transporting you to a completely digital world. Pokemon Go is an excellent example of how AR can be used for entertainment purposes.
Other potential uses for AR include interactive museum exhibits or live concerts where you can see information about the performers on stage superimposed over their real-life counterparts. AR could also be used for interactive gaming, where you can use your real-world environment to interact with a game.
Regardless of how it’s used, AR has the potential to change how people consume and interact with entertainment. It offers an immersive experience that goes beyond what traditional media can provide, making it a valuable tool for the entertainment industry.
6. Wearable Technology:
Wearable technology, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers, is also becoming more prevalent in society. While wearable tech isn’t directly related to the entertainment industry, it could potentially be used to enhance our experience with entertainment products.
For example, imagine being able to check features while you’re watching a movie or TV show. Or what if your fitness tracker could keep track of how many steps you take during your daily walk while also giving you information about your surroundings? The possibilities are endless!
The entertainment industry is constantly changing and evolving. To stay ahead of the curve, businesses must continuously adapt and innovate. These technologies discussed above have transformed the entertainment industry over the past few decades. As new technologies emerge, so too will new opportunities for businesses in the entertainment industry.
