Television is in fact limited in it's capabilities. For example, considering other technologies such as the internet, the interactive capability of television does not match up. The things you can interact with within the realm of the internet seems limitless.
However, new advances in tv have allowed for the remote (provided by the cable service provider) to allow users to choose more than just channels. OnDemand is one addition to the list of interactive things one can do with a tv. Much like its predecessor Pay-Per-View, it uses the same idea allowing the user to charge to their monthly bill viewings of certain programs. HBO and other movie channels each provide a weekly updated list of movies that subscribers can watch. They even have the ability to PAUSE, FAST FORWARD, and REWIND right from their cable tv remote.
Also, the TV is obviously limited to who is watching at the time. Neither cable companies or television creators can force the technology upon people. Consumers must want to purchase a TV (and many people do choose to have access to this technology) and then must watch it. A great deal of information, advertising, and entertainment is shared through the use of television. |
