The digital age is taking over, replacing our previous material possessions.
Photo by Hanna Kazlouskaya, artwork by Haden Johnson
Video killed the radio star; we know that. And now the Internet sensation is consuming traditional video methods in a violent tornado of downloads and web orders.
Many of us recall a time when our parents would tell us stories of archaic record players, 8-track cassettes, and landline phone calls. They would reminisce while recalling how amazing the changes that have taken place in their world have been. There was a time where none of us could imagine how technology and the times could even advance; DVD’s, Blu-Rays, bookstore chains… it couldn’t get any more advanced than that, right? The brave new world we live in is changing whether we’re ready for it or not.
I recall a time when, if I wanted to watch a DVD or play a new game, I would take a trip to the neighborhood Blockbuster video store previously located on Hampden and Tamarac at Tamarac Square’s mini mall. This trip had its pros and cons, but was more often than not worthwhile because of the experience and satisfaction experienced when getting your hands on a Friday night movie. Blockbuster’s immense library of new and old releases available at retail price and at the rental price of 10 to 13 dollars, as well as hefty late fees and some overpriced releases gave customers something to complain about, giving leeway for the takeover of Netflix.
Through the faults of Blockbuster, Netflix was able to satisfy people looking for a cheaper alternative. The sensation took the population by storm, quickly gaining revenue through the membership deals offered to users. This service is entirely electronic and can also be ordered by mail; yet another reason to keep home video owners satisfied. The fact that people didn’t even have to leave their houses to find something good to watch was appealing to the masses. On Demand, Red Box, and other quick pay-per-view options have been popping up on the scene replacing the stores of which we once made use. The digital age is upon us and making quick work of the archaic methods we used to use to rent movies.
Despite all the advantages Netflix has, there are still many gripes users have with the Internet streaming phenomenon. Technology, being the flawed and calculated system it is, has its share of problems that often make it more frustrating than going to the video store. There have been a few instances with glitching and freezing for network users, and occasional crashes, that prevent thousands from watching their digital media. There are some things for which the digital age just won’t be able to compensate.
Still, Netflix has led the charge for several new methods of digital entertainment; E-books are in the process of replacing Borders bookstores, iTunes has been dominating over the record store industry. These alternatives are all optional but with the majority of people falling in line under the throne of electronics, it seems that it won’t be long before people won’t have a choice and we’ll see a large-scale conversion from real material possessions to less tactile digital archives.
