Computerization, commonly referred to as digitalization,
refers to the shift to a society
where computers are ubiquitous; to carry out, control, or conduct by means
of a computer. Digital refers to communications signals or information presented
in a discrete form--usually in a binary or two state way--0 or 1.
(TCOM 101 definition)
When we talk about computerization we are speaking of the growth of computer
technology that controls most of the items we use in our everyday lives.
Everywhere we turn we see an electronic item run by computers.
Since World War II we have seen the digitalization of many items, and the
trend will continue to grow. (TCOM 101 notes)
Here is a definition supplied by dictionary.com :
com·put·er·ize ( P ) Pronunciation
Key (km-pyt-rz)
tr.v. com·put·er·ized, com·put·er·iz·ing,
com·put·er·iz·es
1. To furnish with a computer or computer system.
2. To enter, process, or store (information) in a computer or system of
computers.
There are many items available to consumers that are possible because
of computerization.
Here are a few items available from the Sony company:
This Mini DV Handycam only weighs a little over a pound and is chocked
full of features. Besides digital picture quality, the camcorder can
take mpeg movies to send over the internet, has a memory stick to
keep still image pictures, and has the ability to be hooked up directly
to your PC for video editing thanks to its I-link interface.
Price: $1,299.99
Sony's Progressive Scan DVD player claims "film
like performance." Besides being able to play any CD audio format, this
DVD player also boasts the ability to play MP-3's. This system also
improves audio quality with dolby digital and dts digital outputs along with
simulated surround sound capabilities. This is a great buy offered
by the Sony company.
Price: $179.99
MP3 players are the newest thing to hit the music scene thanks to computerization.
These devices allow hours of music to be stored without the use of
any type of disk or tape. This particular model allows recordings to
be made 32x faster than normal. Thanks to their compact designs, MP3
players can be taken anywhere, and this particular one has up to 110 hours
of playback.
Price: $349.95
Good bye VCR's, hello TiVo! This digital television recorder can record up to 80 hours
of your favorite shows, all without the hassle of buying videotapes. It
even remembers the types of shows you watch, and records similar ones just
in case. This device could virtually eliminate you from ever missing
your favorite show again. You even have the capability to pause live
television.
Price: $299.00 - $349.00 plus monthly fees of around $12.00.
To find more information on Sony item visit www.sony.com.
If you'd like to see all the capabilities of TiVo go to www.tivo.com.
The digitalization of the world around us was imminent.
Since the end of World War II the computer age has been upon us, automating,
simplifying, and revolutionizing our lives. And with each new device
that comes out, our lives are affected, from the format we listen to music
to the way we drive our cars. Advancements in technology are always
going to happen, and it is computerization that makes this possible. With
computers and their digital components we are constantly seeing ways of making
life easier, faster, and more fun.
Media consumers are affected by computerization
because formats of everyday items are constantly 
changing. "Out with the old and in with the new" seem to be the way
the computer aged individual thinks. New formats that affect you are
being introduced all the time. We see music changing from analog cassette
tapes to digital compact disks. Now we have computerized MP3 files for
music. The same goes for VHS tapes changing to DVD. TV's are
also at the dawn of the video age along with tapeless video recorders (www.tivo.com).
Media workers have been greatly affected
by the introduction of computerization. The job of an employee at a
TV or radio station in completely different than that of a worker fifty years
ago. Computers run everything in media these days, and digital products
created from computer technology have given workers new tools for doing their
job. Cd players, digital video cameras, digital audio mixers, and cell
phones are just a few ways the media workplace has changed thanks to computerization.
Education has also been affected by the
computer age. Students can now have access to all the
information under the sun simply by typing in a URL address on the top
of their AOL window. Research has been completely redesigned thanks
to the digital age. Teachers also reap the benefits of computerized
technology, allowing e-mail chatting with students. Also, the classroom
itself has changed completely with the introduction of Power Point presentations
and movies shown on digital projectors. Computerization is the base
of all the computer mega-trends, allowing them to flourish thanks to its introduction.
Legally, computerization has some drawbacks,
just like any technology. Because of computerization we have the world
at our fingertips thanks to the internet. However, this is a double-edged
sword. Children are able to access material that may be inappropriate
or not deemed acceptable by their parents. Also, through downloading,
computer users can "share" files including movies, music, and software. But,
the downloader has not paid for these items in most cases, and is stealing
these items from the manufacturer. Besides computers, every piece of
technology that changes formats involves consumers buying new software to
go with it. Cassettes to CD's, cable to satellite, and VHS to DVD are
all examples of upgrades that can be costly to consumers.
Digital items on the market have revolutionized the way we live our day
to day lives. There are many added conveniences with digital technology
that consumers have embraced over the past few decades. But, computerization
can be held back each time a new format is introduced. It took years
for nearly all consumers to switch from cassette tapes to CD's. Whenever
something new is brought to the public there is usually a very long switch
over time when digital technology is up in the air. It's pretty safe
to say that at any one moment there is a transition period occurring in some,
if not many, areas of computerization. There is always a slight fear in the
unknown or new item and the inconvenience of learning how to use new items.
But this will only pressure manufacturers to produce more "user-friendly"
products.
Computerization is the root of where all the other mega-trends stem. Thanks
to computers we are able to have connectivity due to the internet giving us
access to endless information and the ability to communicate around the world.
Digital technology has given us the latest advancements in cell phones,
allowing internet mobility, interactivity by voice and with instant messaging,
personalization of the computerized aspects of the phone, and so on and so
on. And this is just one piece of technology. Every item that
is being improved on today is being integrated with telecommunication
mega-trends. And all these devices were brought to us thanks to the
computer-age that brought us digitalization.
To check out other information on TCOM mega-trends
click here.
Matthew Cunningham
2/5/02
