Connectivity and Consumer Electronics

Many recent CE devices, like the AppleTV, are able to download and install software updates that add new features.

How can a device bought six months ago remain on the cutting edge? Believe it or not, manufacturers are lending a helping hand.

The Internet has become such a pervasive part of our lives, it’s no surprise that Consumer Electronic (CE) devices designed for entertainment use are following suit.  Manufacturers are building-in the technology needed so their products can join home networks and go online independently. And while this has yet to be touted as the most important feature in a CE device, it certainly is the one most able to keep it from becoming outdated. Here are some examples of what this connectivity can do, and how it’s going to change things in the near future.

Getting Firm
CE devices could benefit from what computer users take for granted - being able to download and install software corrections and updates that add new features. The problem lies in getting the update to consumers in a timely fashion, but that’s where the Internet comes in. For example, there was an update for our Oppo DVD player on its web site. We downloaded the file, burned it to a CD and inserted it into the player which then updated itself. But contrast that with one of Toshiba’s HD DVD players, whose Ethernet connection directly downloads and installs an update into the player. That’s not just more convenient but also more likely to get implemented because the function is built-in. Plus, you’re likely to get more updates since it’s more cost-effective for the manufacturer to distribute them this way.

Take A Look
Media centers such as Netgear’s Digital Home Entertainer, AppleTV and others are integrating with televisions by providing content taken off a PC and the web. This is also being emulated by amplifiers, such as Denon’s AVR-4308CI which offers an Ethernet port to play music from a PC or stream Internet radio (and even adding WiFi capabilities). But it becomes much easier if the technology is built into the TV itself, as evidenced by HP’s MediaSmart TVs - which directly accesses a HP portal for a variety of entertainment options. The TV works through wired or wireless connections, takes care of setting itself up and using it is like just selecting another channel to watch. Sony meanwhile has their BRAVIA Video Internet link, a module that attaches to select Sony models (such as the KDL-46V3000 flat panel). The broadband connection works through a wired network, no PC is required and for practical purposes, it’s the TV that is doing all the work, accessing online video, music and other content.

Extra, Extra
DVDs pioneered the advent of “added” content and now HD DVDs are taking it one step further. Certain discs have “hooks” to access new content, such as the “Transformers” HD DVD which provides information about the robots, their weapons, stats, etc. This content isn’t just one-way either: “Blood Diamond” allows you to participate in Warner Bros. Studio online polls; “300” gives you the ability to “edit” the film to suit your preference and then upload it for others to view; and the season one box-set of Heroes lets you create your own Heroes profile and upload it to a special web page.

Now A Word From Our Sponsor
This connectivity also presents a new marketing opportunity for manufacturers. On the “300” HD DVD, there is a web enabled feature for buying wallpaper and ringtones. And “Evan Almighty” includes an online store for purchasing movie-related merchandise like T-shirts and coffee mugs. We expect to see more of this kind of “point-of-purchase mentality” offered in the future.

Buy Download Watch
The nextgen video game consoles are leading the way to online connectivity, and in purchasing content - video games for sure, but also movie and TV shows. The Xbox 360 allows for these to be downloaded to its hard drive for viewing - adding high-definition to the mix - along with trailers and other associated clips. Playstation 3 is currently limited to watching film trailers and Blu-ray discs coming to market, but movie downloads should become a reality soon. Nintendo’s Wii only allows for game download purchases.

We’re All Connected
Another aspect of connectivity allows users to connect with other users. The game consoles lead the way here too - whether it’s Xbox Live, the Playstation “Home” virtual meeting place, or Nintendo’s Wii Channels, the access promotes communication, interaction and socializing. But the addition of HD DVD players, TVs and other devices that can do this as well should help to open this up to even more people. There was a time when the TV was considered the ultimate “magic box” for bringing the world into your home. We may have cluttered up the living room with dozens of CE devices since then, but through connectivity that feeling is going to return.