What is Convergence?

So, what is convergence anyway? Is it a good or bad thing? Why should we care? ...

Convergence is the word used to describe the process of two different technologies combining together in one device : Such an example would be an Ipod. Consisting of an MP3 Player and a Video player.

Gavin Luhrs Says : "The 'One box solution' has been the main focus of much thinking about convergence, and technology companies continue to deliver products that do more. However, to simply restrict your thinking about convergence to hardware would be a mistake; the principle of convergence is affecting all media texts".

In the past, media forms seemed fairly fixed: a television set was used to watch television programmes. However, new media technologies are becoming more and more advanced increasingly fast... Thus making such competition increase, which in turn gives us much more advanced products. The Television now faces a fresh challenge. It's not just competing with alternative media forms for audience attention but is also facing competition from media forms that are beginning to look like television. As Ipod's and Hand-held consoles become more advanced, such as being able to be used as DvD players .. Blu-Ray .. there is a less need for the original television platform.

So, is this a good thing? Yes and no. The increase in advancement and convergence allows us to move along in life much more simply and effectively.

Mr Luhrs says : "There is far greater access to content, which can be delivered on demand rather than according to a schedule. Content is now more easily portable (handhold televisions could never be considered a true rival to video iPods). The virtually limitless capacity for content allowed by the internet also allows niche broadcasters to cater to very specific tastes, something against which even the broad offering of multi-chennel digital television would find it difficult to compete."

Here is some question Mr. Luhrs asks you to think about :

Just because the technology allows media forms to converge, does that mean it's desirable?

Won't radio lose something essential if it becomes audio with pictures?

Are videogames trying too hard to be cinematic, so turning away from the very qualities which set them apart from more traditional media forms?

[Gavin Luhrs teaches at Robert Smyth School] < - No-one knows why.. can't teach!

www.rssmediastudies.co.uk