Lee Ann Green
Telecommunications 101, Section 2
Dr. Mike Gerhard
- Converging means "to come together and unite in a common interest of focus." (Merriam Webster Dictionary) Ball State University professor Dr. Mike Gerhard defines convergence as "integration into a common technological base."
- Convergence is one of many telecommunications "megatrends". Telecommunications megatrends are emerging electronic media systems. Examples of megatrends include computerization, digitalization and miniaturization.
- Digital convergence is the technological merger of several industries & various devices that exchange information in the digital format used by computers.
- Industry convergence is the merging of different corporations and industries.
"Converging
technology is the gradual integration of Internet technology, communications
and media" -NeSBIC Group-
Recently, communications, computers, consumer electronics, entertainment, the Internet, and mass media have been using one another's functions to develop new devices and technology. These examples of digital convergence are growing more common and are becoming a part of everyday life.
Web - Access Cell Phones
Web - Access cell phones converge communication and the Internet. One example is the Sprint PCS TP3000 which costs approximately $400 and has a flip-top screen that's large enough for limited web surfing. It lets you send and receive e-mail, find movie listings, check stocks, access a personal calendar, check news and weather, and store over 1000 names in a personal address books. It also includes an on-screen keyboard, instead of forcing users to use phone keypad.
Internet Radio and Music Videos
Netscape combines the Internet, radio, and video to provide multiple services. Netscape provides radio players and allows users to view music videos on computers with internet access. You can download Netscape's radio player for free, and it includes stations such as rock, oldies, popular, Christian, country, and various news stations.
Sony Playstation 2
Sony's Playstation 2's network adaptor connects to the Internet, allowing players to play with one another all across the nation. This video game converges video, CDs, DVDs, entertainment and the Internet. The console for Playstation 2 usually costs about $314.99, the games cost anywhere from $9.99 and $99.99, and the network adaptor is available for $39.99.
American Idol Becoming WirelessThis season viewers of American Idol, a TV show on the Fox Network, are able to to vote for contestants using instant text messaging on their cell phones. This technology will make American Idol more interactive than ever, establishing a two-way link between the show and its viewers.
There are also several examples of converging industries. Corporations benefit from converging because they can offer a broader range of services as a result.
AOL - Time Warner
America Online (an Internet server) and Time Warner (a media and entertainment company) merged in January of 2000 to form the biggest corporate merger ever, AOL - Time Warner. AOL - Time Warner is a powerful corporation and an excellent example of industry convergence. Their businesses include a huge range of services including interactive services, cable systems, filmed entertainment, television networks, music and publishing. AOL - Time Warner's purpose is to connect, inform, and entertain people.
Viacom
Viacom is another good example of industry convergence. In 1999 Viacom bought CBS and is now a leading global media company. Viacom reaches 166 countries & territories and owns television stations, radio stations, a national television network, and cable television networks. It includes services for people of practically all tastes such as MTV, BET, CBS news, CBS sports, CMT, Blockbuster, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, VH1, UPN, TNN, Paramount, TV Land, Kingworld, Showtime, and many others.
ABC and Disney - Disney bought Capital Cities/ABC in 1996
Convergence benefits both corporations and consumers. Convergence allows media corporations to make new business plans, by giving them an opportunity to expand services and combine with other corporations. These corporations can become extremely powerful in all areas of technology instead of just one specifically. Convergence appeals to many people because it offers simple, all-in-one convenience. With the way convergence technologies are growing, everyone will be affected by the trend in one way or another.
Introduction to Telecommunications: Converging Technologies states:
"There is a rush toward convergence on a scale unimagined even by the best science fiction writers of just a few decades ago. The fruits of this technological melding, merging, and marrying will change our future, whether we plan careers in the media or lives as consumers of their content. All of us - media professionals and everyday citizens - will live in the world that results from these technological advances."
Convergence is directly connected to many of the other megatrends.
ComputerizationThe trend of computerization refers to the constant use of computers everywhere for everything. The example of the web-access cell phone shows how convergence relates to computerization. The web-access cell phone lets consumers use the phone everywhere for both communication and connection to the Internet.
PersonalizationPersonalization is the delivery and use of personalized information. The Internet radio stations allow users to select whatever station interests them most.
Connectivity
Connectivity is the trend of connecting with other users via networks of technology. The example of Sony's Playstation 2 illustrates connectivity because by using an internet connection, players are able to play against other players across the nation.
MobilityMobility is being able to use services while "on the move." Despite the danger she's causing, the woman in this illustration is using a cell phone while driving. Cell phones are a great example of connection for the trends of mobility and convergence because you can use cell phones anywhere, all the time, and while you're "on the move."
MiniaturizationMiniaturization refers to the making of technological devices smaller, such as cell phones and computers. Apple Computers has introduced a 12 inch lap top computer with a full range of features and built in capabilities.
Interactivity"Interactivity means that the user is able to make an immediate response to what is going on" (Dr. Mike Gerhard) Online video games are an example of convergence's connection with interactivity. Users get immediate responses while playing from both the video game screen and the other players.
Digital and industry convergence speaks for itself. It's
obvious that convergence is making a huge impact on technological advances,
and it will continue to do so.
Services and corporations will continue converging to combine all aspects
of technology. Corporations will get stronger, more powerful, and
cover all imaginable services. If communication, entertainment, mass
media and technology keep converging, sadly there will be no need to leave
our houses to do anything. Everything we need would be provided through
all the converged technologies. People
would no longer be able to think for themselves because the technology machines
would do everything for them. The
only form of social communication would be through miniature cell phones,
computers, media and video games. 
Dr. Mike Gerhard
Kimberly Massey and Stanley J. Baran, Introduction to Telecommunications: Converging Technologies
Viacom
AOL-Time Warner
Merriam Webster dictionary
CNN Technology & Computing
NeSBIC Group
Playstation 2
Apple Computers
American Idol
Lee Ann Green!
January 4, 2003!