Introduction
The monitor and the television were in the past, viewing devices that accept signals and display them on the screens. Computer monitors accepted signals from the Central Processing Unit of the computer with the help of connectors which do not have audio circuits like the television but are controlled by specialized adaptors like the monochrome or the graphic adaptors. Televisions traditionally have data processing systems known as the MINI SUB D15Connectors. Until the recent past, media and communication systems have been separate and distinct aspects, with the television being associated with broadcasting television programs while the monitor is associated with the display of content on the computer.
However, in recent times, separate functions have begun to merge and the boundaries of these separate entities have become broader and more encompassing. In today’s times, it is a common phenomenon to watch TV on the Pc monitor and more and more desktops and notebooks are developed and manufactured with in-built TV tuners. It would not be surprising to find a 42-inch PC-TV combo in the technological market and this process which enables such “the collapse of disparate technology, equipment and services into a set of common and ubiquitous technology, equipment and services” (Internet Industry Association, 2002) is called convergence.
This paper attempts to analyze the convergence between the television and the monitor.
Main body
Television was traditionally a medium of broadcasting programs produced by television channels but is developing into an interactive medium of communication. The monitor, which was initially a simple device for the display of contents from the Central Processing Unit of the computer has now evolved into a multitasking device that allows consumers to not only use it as a monitor screen but also double up as a television. The recent innovations of high-definition plasma monitors have changed the face of television and the technology used in it.
The convergence between the television and the computer industry has enabled some of the most mind-blowing innovations in the field of technology. The latest is the merger of the large screen high-resolution television which is powered by a Pentium processor and doubles up as a multimedia computer monitor too. The new Personal Computer is converged with a Television monitor and this has resulted in a unique monitor with optimal features of a high-resolution monitor in combination with the convenience of a “high-quality television” (Business Wire, Oct 1, 1996). This new monitor allows the dual functions of watching the television without actually switching on their computer. These modern-day monitors are converged with the television enhancing technology of “built-in cable ready” tuners and can function as Personal Computers as well as television sets (Business Wire, Oct 1, 1996). Additionally, the monitors also include sound features with built-in speakers, which solves the problems of installing extra speakers at the desired place saving on time, energy, and financial resources. What is extremely pleasing is the fact that monitors are now geared with multimedia entertainment through CD-ROMS (Business Wire, 1996).
Conclusion
Thus we see that televisions and monitors are converging with the help of latest technological innovations which have enabled the two to function in unison with one another so that the individual features are enhanced and provide greater advantages to the users.
References
Internet Industry Association. (2002) IIA Convergence Virtual Taskforce.
Business Wire, (1996). Leading Convergence Company Ships New PC+TV Monitor Multimedia Options Without Disrupting TV Viewing Habits.