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July 28, 2011
Star Features


 

TV is Internet, Internet is TV - 2012's buzzword will be 'convergence'


I can't wait, really, I am so excited to have my TV on my iPad or laptop. Every since my friend got a Slingbox, I have been intrigued by the idea of being able to access my TV from anywhere across the island or across the world over the Internet.

Working late and want to watch the news? Go right ahead. Travelling on business and want to watch your favourite local TV show? Nothing stopping you. It's your home cable box, effectively streamed to your computer so you can control it remotely.

Effectively, you have TV everywhere. Which is the name of the new service coming soon from Flow, Flow Everywhere. They will take it up a notch. In addition to streaming of your cable box to your PC, the Everywhere service will stream to other Internet-enabled devices likes iPads and smartphones. That means live TV content on your phone.

Let's look at another scenario. Let's say you've already recorded your programme on your PVR (personal video recorder) and it's there waiting on you, but you are nowhere near it. No problem, you'll be able to call up your PVR content over the web. That means on demand TV content on your phone.

Wait, we're not done. Suppose you forgot to set the PVR before you left home and you are afraid you'll miss your favourite show. Fret not! Soon, you can use an app on your PC, phone or table to access your PVR and control its settings. That means you are the master of the entertainment content.

Taking cable online means taking what once was fixed to the cloud. But what about taking the cloud to cable? It seems Flow has that covered too. I was about to buy a new smart TV, until I heard that Flow was coming with this service. Apps like Facebook, Twitter and other popular Internet-based programmes will be accessible through the cable box. I'll be able to tweet how much I show while watching the show - without ever having to take my eyes off the screen!

Even better, I can watch cool viral videos (insert lame can't cross it joke here) on my big screen TV, kicking back in my living room and not hunched over a desk looking at a computer screen (which is so geeky).

And, if viral videos are not enough to get me to watch TV, Flow announced 3D TV is coming in 2012. No special discs required, but you will need a 3D TV to truly appreciate the content. This is in addition to the twenty-something HD channels they already offer.

This is convergence done right; TV on Internet, Internet on the TV. The television revolution has been digitised.

Tech Glitch: I am a student without much money. I can't afford to buy Microsoft Office and I don't want a pirate copy, what do I do? asks Janelle.

Tech Fix: Google Docs, OpenOffice and event the Microsoft branded Office 365 offer cost-effective alternatives. They are free!

Got a tech glitch? get your tech fix at: Facebook.com/carlettedeleon. Listen to Tech Time on FAME FM each Tuesday morning at 8 am.

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