Online Entertainment

Online TV

How people use their computer has changed dramatically over the last century. With the introduction of sites such as YouTube, iTunes and BBC iPlayer people have stopped using their devices as means of communication and started using them as entertainment devices.

Online Games, Music and Videos

Gaming businesses such as Sony (PS3) and Microsoft (Xbox) have tapped into the online entertainment industry. Sony and their PS3 have introduced PlayStation Network which allows people to sign up and play online. How does it work? PlayStation Network requires people to use and individual username, you can then add and play against friends. There are also online arenas – these allow a group of total strangers or a group of friends to enter and play against each other, in teams or individually. Another feature of Online Gaming is the Online Gaming Competitions – these allow serious gamers to enter these competitions and earn/win money from playing a game. These competitions are popular with games such as FIFA or Call of Duty. Xbox’s online service is very similar to that of PlayStations however Xbox charge customers to sign up – however it argued that the gameplay is much better so it is worth playing.

Another popular game played online by millions is World of Warcraft. World of Warcraft was originally released in November 2005, and now it has over 10.3 million subscribers who pay to play. It is currently the world’s most popular M.M.O.R.P.G (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game); and also hold the Guinness record for the most popular M.M.O.R.P.G. World of Warcraft allows you to create your own ‘avatar’ – you then go through the game fighting monsters, completing quests, explore the landscape and interact with other online players.

Advantages

One advantage of Online Gaming is the variety of games available. The variety of games means that everyone, no matter what their preference is can find a game that they enjoy playing. Another advantage of Online Gaming is how you can make new friends. The online arena feature allows you to meet new people and even talk to them using a headset device. A third advantage of Online Gaming is, as I previously mentioned, the chance to win money. Virgin Media do a competition on FIFA were up to 5000 pounds can be won.

Disadvantages

One disadvantage of Online Gaming is the addictive nature of them. There have been many cases of people becoming addicted to the games – this can cause serious mental and physical problems. Another disadvantage of Online Gaming is cyber bullying can occur. With the use of headsets – racial or gender related abuse can be thrown by other people playing the game. Online gaming can also start to drain you wallet – with many people spending real money on the games they play in order for them to be the best.

Personal Experience

I have a PlayStation 3 and enjoy regularly against my friends on games such as FIFA and Call of Duty. I think it is a great way to make games more competitive and fun, however I can see the negative side of Online Games.

Online Films

Watching films online is becoming more and more popular. The conventional way of going to the shop and buying a DVD is long gone and if the films aren’t bought online then they are streamed straight from the internet. Sites such as Netflix allow customers to access online films for just 6 pounds a month – on the other end of the scale sites such as 1channel allow people to watch films online for free.

Netflix

Netflix allows people to access unlimited films on their TV, or more popularly stream them to a games console. Netflix offers a wide range of films that people can watch instantly and for a reasonable price. On the other hand sites such as 1channel allow people to watch films and TV series for free but the quality is usually poor.

Advantages

One advantage of Online Films is that you can get them instantly this is a hassle free process and save time. Another advantage of Online Films is the variety that they offer – in store you have a limited space to get in as much as possible but online you can have a much wider range of films.

Disadvantages

A possible disadvantage of Online Films is the video copying or ‘piracy’ many sites offer videos that have been filmed in the cinema – this is illegal. Another advantage of Online Films is the poor video quality, this again comes from piracy.

Personal Experience

I have had experience with Netflix and I find it to be an excellent service it has a wide range of films and for an affordable price.

Online TV

Many broadcasting companies have invested in setting up Online ‘Catch up Sites’. Companies such as BBC, ITV and Channel 4 have the most popular ones with BBC iPlayer being fair and away the most popular.

iPlayer

“Making the un-missable, un-missable”

BBC iPlayer offer a ‘catch up service’ this allows people to watch shows that they may have missed, this service is offered for both TV and Radio. They offer a feature piece which would be a popular TV show from that week, as well as an A-Z of shows. Both ITV and Channel 4’s sites are very similar.

TV Catch Up

TV Catch Up is a site that allows people to watch live TV on a device connected to the internet. This site offers the same channels that free view does but for free! You have to sign up and become a member to use this site but you don’t get any annoying emails from them which could be seen as a downside.

Advantages

One advantage of this site is the free usage. They say nothing is free these days but TV Catch Up really is! Another advantage of TV Catch Up is the on the go TV you can watch. TV Catch Up can be accessed on a laptop, tablet and even now on a hand held device with the purchase of the App.

Disadvantages

One disadvantage of this site is that you need internet connection to use it, but other than that I can’t think of anything.

Personal Experience

I have registered to TV Catch Up and find its service very useful.

Music

 

The days of going to the shops and buying the newly released CD are over! Now songs are downloaded (legally or illegally) from the internet. With iTunes being the obvious choice for most people sites such as Spotify are becoming a serious challenger.

Spotify

Spotify is a music streaming service, which offers a huge range of music. Daniel EK, Martin Lorentzon launched it in 2006 with the help of an internet marketing company called TradeDoubler. By 2010 Spotify had around 10 million users, 1 million of which payed for using Spotify. Spotify has 3 different membership accounts: Free, Premium and Unlimited. Free, as the name suggests is free. It offers users access to most songs, but not all and there is a 5 time play limit. Spotify Unlimited, which at 4.99 a month is a great option if you just want unlimited music at home. Unlimited offers unlimited music and no adverts, unlike the free service. Spotify Premium, at 9.99 a month is the most expensive by as you may expect offers the most. Premium allows you to access songs on the go without internet access, this is good for people on the move all the time.

iTunes

iTunes is Apples software that allows you to download music, podcasts, apps and even movie. Some items are free, some are not, for example some apps are free on the other hands some albums can cost up to 10 or even 20 pounds. These items can then be synced onto an Ipod or other hand held devices.

Advantages

One advantage of sites such as iTunes and Spotify is that massive range of downloads available, either for free or for a small sum of money. Another advantage of these sites is that it’s all on your computer so you don’t have piles of CD’s in your house. A third advantage would be that prices would be cheaper due to the lack of packaging.

Disadvantages

One disadvantage to this is that it you always have to be connected to the internet in order to access the store. Another disadvantage would that you have to create an account some people do not trust this and don’t like giving details to a website.

Personal Experience

I use both iTunes and Spotify and I find them very useful! I use Spotify at home connected to the internet and iTunes is used to download music onto my iPhone.

Piracy 

Film piracy is now being considered a serious offence, with people serving jail sentences for up to 5 years! this short clip shows how video recording a film in a cinema is no different to stealing.