Articles concerning Technology

Here are two article I found relating to technology.

The first is about solar energy. I am interested in this subject as I believe it is one of the ways in which the human race can sustainably generate power in the future.

The second has to do with Sony's plan to roll out a tv service that uses the internet to deliver tv through all their devices ie. the Playstion 3, Sony televisions and Sony Blu-ray players.

Solar Energy:  http://gigaom.com/cleantech/nrg-gobbles-up-solar-power-partners-for-distributed-solar/

Sony Televisions: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/sony-to-make-its-move-into-online-television-6263313.html

Summary:  Sony is planning to change the way people in the US watch television. A new system will send tv straight to their tv's via the internet through Sony devices like the Playstation and Blu-ray players.

The Japanese electronics company hopes to be able to establish a tv service that will be able to go up against the huge media moguls that monopolise the American television system. In this case the big networks hold all the cards.

There are already more than 18 million homes in the US with an internet-enabled PlayStation 3, and Sony's new tvs all come with the ability to connect to the net. A service of movie rentals on demand already exists and this new idea is an expansion of this.

Apparently Sony approached some of the big networks about sharing content as Sony doesnt own any Tv channels only movie and film studios.

Sony faces a huge challenge in assembling a range of TV channels that customers would be willing to pay for. It is believed that the new system will most likely add to existing cable and satellite networks and not be able replace them fully for many years to come.

The technology is reliable and is a viable alternative.

Already internet based movie on demand and free services like Hulu are opening up the internet as medium for entertainment. 

Opinion: 

This is the way forward in my opinion. If even RTE have an online "player" then it is clear that it is a viable, cost effective way of broadcasting. 4OD is extremely successful also and is vital to the likes of students.

Students rarely pay for television, it is an unjustifiable expense. Even paying for a tv license can usually be avoided. The likes of RTE Player and 4OD are an extremely useful resource for the financially challenged.

Americans have the reputation for being set in their ways when it comes to some things and yet are leaders in other forms of progress. Whether or not they lead or are dragged online streaming will rise and at least rival cable and satellite in the future. The loss of Steve Jobs who was planning on entering this new market will possibly hinder the progress