Open Forum Friday: Is Portable Video Really The Wave Of The Future?
Portable video is currently one of the hottest trends in technology, from portable DVD players to the Sony PSP and the video iPod, it seems like everyone is obsessed with being able to take movies and TV shows with them wherever they go. In my opinion, however, I see this as a passing fad, and I really hope it doesn’t have a major impact on the way in which we consume entertainment. The latest issue of Wired Magazine would have you believe that an impact has already been made, and that people prefer watching entertainment in short little 5 minute bites instead of 30 or 60 minute blocks. While I definitely don’t want to see everything compressed down to “money shots” as it were, the thing I actually have the biggest problem with is what it means for the artistic appreciation of movies and TV shows. If everyone is watching on these tiny little screens with poor compression, they’re losing like 90% of what goes into creating for a visual medium. Recent studies also suggest that portable video may be permanently damaging our vision. I agree that it’s cool and convenient to be able to watch video anywhere and anytime. But unlike portable audio, video demands your full attention and cannot safely be digested while performing other tasks. In the long run, do we really need video on the go? I don’t think so. Give us your own thoughts here on Open Forum Friday.
Comments (4)
I completely agree with you. I think that to enjoy movies (some more than others) they should be experienced with big picture and big sound. To boot, one of the reasons people GO to the theatres is to get away for a few hours. Watching a movie on an iPod while on the way to the office in the morning defeats that purpose does it not?
I think big theatres are here to stay tough I think that in the coming years competition from different forms of distribution (talks of simultaneous release) may cause big theatres to review their business (perhaps encourage people to GO to the theatre by dropping the ticket price? Please?!?).
Posted by themarina on May 12th, 2006I like them when i’m waiting around in a doctors office or places like that. It’s a lot better than reading Star magazine
Posted by Croft on May 12th, 2006Not in my future.
Posted by Bassmasta-Baychuk on May 12th, 2006Ever since I got a Nintendo DS I swear my vision has gotten worse. I’m not keen on the idea of watching movies or television on portable screens. I’d rather put my money into owning a large screen at home and spend time doing other things besides watching tv when I’m on the go.
Posted by Nuno on May 13th, 2006Leave a Reply