Commentary

Future TV: You'll Still Need Your Eyes -- Maybe

TV in your contact lenses? Sure. But you need to answer the question: Are you far- or nearsighted?

Futurist TV scientists know one thing: TV viewers will want an ever-increasing connection with video content images. So let your imagination run wild -- and apparently screen-wise, much smaller.

Running alongside the NFL's LaDainian Tomlinson as he scores a touchdown? Helping spy Jason Bourne grab a new identity?  You can have it all.

In the U.K., one technology retailer says a "digital tattoo" fitted to the viewer would pick up on the feelings of characters on screen and create impulses causing them to feel the same way: so-called "emotional viewing."

Sure, I want the same impulses that "24"'s Jack Bauer has, for a day.  Look out, TV trade journalism competitors!

Forget about two, three, or even four screens. It seems as if external video images will be part of our identity, as in the movie "The Matrix."

advertisement

advertisement

How will marketers get involved?  Maybe buying consumer products won't matter, as long as some neuroscientist can figure out that your future intent will mean buying that Toyota air-fueled car in 2034.

But no matter where you think TV is going, you have to wonder if the measurement and analysis of those viewing habits will keep pace. History tells us it won't.

TV futurists had an iffy history as well with their big, crazy dreams in the past. Consider their track record back in 1980.

A future filled with VCRs? No. Creating your our own primet-ime schedules? With DVRs -- absolutely.  A cash-less society? Almost. Debt-filled society? Coming our way over the next couple of years.

A TV/video filled society? That's a no-brainer. Just tell me the size, shape, the delivery system. Plastic or paper?

2 comments about "Future TV: You'll Still Need Your Eyes -- Maybe ".
Check to receive email when comments are posted.
  1. Clinton Gallagher, February 10, 2009 at 2:42 p.m.

    Dear Goliath,

    It bears repeating; you are the dead man walking.

    Love,
    David

  2. Paula Lynn from Who Else Unlimited, February 21, 2009 at 12:22 p.m.

    ooooooh, so you not guilty of killing_______because you were into the character's head. Not your fault. Just get a big pit and throw all of the misguided fools into it and leave them there. You are in another character's head. Anyone see any problem with all of the aforementioned crap?

Next story loading loading..