The Big Shift in 2008

If you've been reading Danis Linus for very long then you've probably noticed that I'm fascinated with culture shifts. I'm by no means a "futurist" in the sense that I'm able to predict what's coming next but it doesn't take a rocket-scientist to see that the way we receive our digital content is changing... drastically. My brother-in-law, Jon, of Erwin Brother Motion Pictures have an ongoing conversation about media, culture, and especially how technology is changing and shaping the landscape of film. I agree with him that the movie-going experience won't change all that much since we love the big-screen and our Dolby surround sound. I do think that in 2008 we'll be seeing a huge shift in the way we digest content on a smaller scale.

A few indicators that jump out... The first an incredibly humorous one. A couple weeks ago, the The Royal Monarchy launched their own YouTube channel in order to reach a broader audience. ABC is now streaming full episodes in High Definition through their new media player. And, Apple and Twentieth Century Fox are poised to announce a new deal where iTunes will be carrying movie rentals for download and not just purchase. In addition, communications giant AT&T is launching their new U-Verse interactive, IP-based digital television, internet, and phones in even more markets over the next couple years. Things are changing and the consumer truly is king indeed.