Just one problem … according to studies by SA and Leichtman, over 56 percent of the people who bought HDTV sets so far (close to 9 million people) have not acquired the equipment needed to actually watch anything in HD. Why? Twenty-eight percent think the picture is already better on their new HDTV set; 23 percent think the HD graphic on the broadcast means that they are actually viewing the show in HD. This makes the flashing 12:00 on the average VCR seem insignificant by comparison.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have the pod-people with new, Generation 5 video iPods downloading to their hearts content. Free software for Macs and very inexpensive software for PCs make converting video files to iPod format a breeze. Yes, it can take overnight to rip a DVD or a few hours to convert an existing file, but you don’t need to be actively involved in the process; it’s “set it and forget it.”
This is the bifurcated world that is evolving, and the question is, how will it play out? Will we truly see a war for the hearts and minds of techno-geeks vs. techno-weaks? Is it just a generational thing? And, since there is big money in targeting and consumer relevance, can we expect complete cultures to evolve around these two groups?
Are you a Techno-geek or a Techno-weak? Take the test (don’t cheat, no Google!):
A. To view an HDTV picture you need …
1) a flat screen monitor, preferably 16:9
2) an HDTV set and cable or satellite service
3) an EDTV monitor, an HD signal and a Remote Control
4) an HDTV monitor connected to an HD signal
B. Which of the following video file formats does not need to be converted to play in a Generation 5 iPod?
1) .mpg
2) .asf
3) .m4p
4) .avi
C. Which is the most popular aspect ratio for theatrical motion pictures?
1) 4:3
2) 16:9
3) 18:8
D. True or False: BitTorrent is just a brand name; it is not a file distribution protocol. Answer Key:
A-4, B-3, C-3, D-F Score: 0-2 right = Techno-weak; 3 right = Techno-geek; 4 = Uber-geek. Why aren’t you busy reading tech manuals? 