Is Online Television The Way Forward?

Since the launch of television in the 1930's, broadcasting has come a long way in the past eighty years. From the UK going from four channels (BBC 1, BBC 2, ITV and Channel 4) in the eighties, to now having over a hundred channels available via satellite, cable and with over seventy channels on standard digital television. But what does the future hold for television as we know it? Well with internet speeds going from a crappy 28k dial-up to over 50mb broadband, we're seeing more online streaming services surfacing such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, which are beginning to dominate our television screens. Even Sky have jumped on the online bandwagon by launching Now TV, offering a handful of its entertainment channels such as Sky 1 and Fox, along with their movie and sports channels as a cheaper alternative to cable and satellite, which you receive by buying a rebranded Roku box for £9.99, or via their Now TV app available on Smart TV's, Pads and now mobile phones. With various alternatives to watch online TV and on-demand services being readily and cheaply available, could this spell the end for television as we know it?

Picture: BBC

Last year, the BBC announced that it was to close BBC Three and make it available online only due to cutting financial costs. This caused a bit of a stir amongst its loyal viewers, especially as this has grown to be a popular channel since its launch in 2003. However, since its announcement, they've been unable to secure the rights to shows such as Family Guy and American Dad, because of security issues with the BBC iPlayer, therefore the BBC had to move most of its popular programmes to their other channels BBC 1 and 2, losing some of its popular US imports like Family Guy to ITV. 

So what are the benefits of online broadcasting? Well, it can be a cheap alternative I suppose. There's no expensive broadcasting equipment required other than a decent streaming server and a reliable broadband connection. There's also alternative apps available which allow you to watch HD quality channels from the US and around the world without the need of satellite equipment being installed. Another benefit, especially to UK audiences is that on-demand television allows you to watch what you want, when you want, dismissing the watershed which is imposed on UK television stations so you can't watch anything other than PG rated material before 9pm. So unless you've got Sky or Now TV, who's movie channels are no longer required to operate under the watershed regulations because they use the pin protection software on its boxes. British television can be quite limited during the day with constant edited movies and crappy daytime programming, unlike our european neighbours who can watch programmes and movies like The Deer Hunter uncut in the afternoon on free television. Yeah, television should still be monitored so you don't get propaganda and sick images on our screens, but viewers should be given the freedom to make their own decisions on what they want to watch, like they do in most european countries. However in the UK, our government and OFCOM won't allow it, and we're still being told these are the programmes you're offered and that's it until 9pm, then you can watch what you want. Which coming from an adults perspective, takes the piss really as it shows these people don't trust you in being a responsible adult, especially if you've got kids. They're excuse is that the watershed is there to protect viewers from seeing inappropriate material. Hang on, we've got the internet, which at a click of a mouse, can give you hardcore pornography, more graphic than what is allowed on UK porn channels. There's also You Tube and Live Leak, which allow its viewers, again with a simple click can access thousands of graphic content videos. Yet in the UK, you're not trusted to either turn over the channel or turn off the television if something offends you or isn't appropriate to children. The main culprit is bad language in films and programmes. The UK was quite strict with this especially after the watershed, but in the last twenty years, broadcasters have become more relaxed, where we can watch a film or television programme uncut after 9pm which can contain strong language. More recently, milder language such as 'piss' and 'arse' is now heard in daytime television, mainly in US programmes, but words such as 'shit' and 'bastard' are still censored until after 7pm on some channels, despite OFCOM actually giving the broadcasters the choice to allow PG rated mild language to be broadcast before the 9pm watershed, but they still opt not to do so. 

Picture: Wired.com

So, from all that, online television could be an advantage in that it will give viewers more freedom to watch what they want, as the technology will be there to allow all broadcasters to use a pin protection system which Sky and Virgin Media are currently using. 

But before I go in to the advantages of online television, let's first look at the disadvantages. The first being the UK needs a stable broadband connection. At present, a good percentage of the country still can't receive broadband, and unless you're willing to pay a fortune to receive broadband via a satellite or if you're lucky enough to be in a 3G/4G signal area, you're still receiving the internet via dial up speeds. For some reason, Wii-Max hasn't taken off in the UK which would really help rural areas out and give customers high broadband speeds without the need to dig up your driveway for fibre optic cables to be installed, along with a £150 bill for the work. So for the BBC to say, that they're placing one of its channels online only, and the fact some folk are still unable to subscribe or receive on-demand television because of their poor internet connection is a further kick in the teeth for them. Plus, buffering is a major issue for some in busy broadband areas, because they're not receiving the speeds they pay for because of busy networks. So what is the use watching a channel, which keeps buffering every minute or so, because your internet is struggling. Another issue would be programming content as receiving online channels from other countries is easily done, because VPN can override geo-blocking which a lot of networks use to stop people from outside the UK or US receiving subscription or exclusive channels. So unless you can guarantee the copyright holders to a film or programme that your online channel can only be received by the country its intended for, then you've got no chance of bringing quality programming to your viewers unless you're making high quality material yourself. Finally, you can't record from online television unless you buy the expensive kit that will allow you to do so. But if you manage to pay for that, you're going back to the old VHS days, where you can only record and watch one channel. So until TiVo technology comes out for online television, or the channels place everything they show on a catch up basis, you're more likely to miss your favourite show. Finally, could online television lead to more people watching on-demand television over live television? Its possible as a good percentage of UK viewers are watching a lot of on-demand television these days. So unless broadcasters look at how on-demand television can keep them going financially, live TV could become a thing of the past as I've said previously in this thread, people would rather watch what they want, when they want. 

Picture: VHS Recorder from 1982

What about the advantages then? Well I mentioned earlier that it could open the door on television schedules being improved, especially in the UK where the watershed dominates what we can watch during the day, unless you've got the Sky Movie Channels, Amazon Prime or Netflix. It could also be used to reduce piracy by opening the geo-blockade and allow US channels and their on-demand counterparts to be made available in other countries allowing for programmes such as Game of Thrones to be shown at the same time everywhere, which could possibly reduce downloads by those who are having to wait a long time to see these programmes. Okay, this could have financial implications on the production companies or networks who rely on their rights being snapped up by foreign broadcasters, but would it really be a massive dent in their finances? Well, let's say if the US version of HBO was made available to the UK, via subscription, then they would see an increase in subscribers. Also, broadcasters such as Sky Atlantic, who like to model themselves on being the UK version of HBO, would still be able to purchase the rights to programmes like Game of Thrones, as people would use them as a second chance to catch their favourite HBO programmes. This would be the same for other channels who have purchased the rights to broadcast US imports on UK television, its actually a win-win situation. Reduce piracy, gain more subscribers! It could also help shows that are lacking in viewers and could avoid them in being cancelled after one or two seasons. If a programme doesn't do well in America, then its canned. The US networks don't care about whether or not its doing great anywhere else, but again, if their channel is freely available elsewhere, this could boost the survival of a programme as it would gain more viewers. As for scheduling, this isn't a problem. Yes there's a five to seven hour time difference between the UK and US, but if recording facilities were available for online television, then this wouldn't be a problem, unless your a die-hard fan then you'll stay up and watch the damn thing.

One more advantage would be that it could open the door to provider competition. At present in the UK, you've got Sky dominating the market, with Virgin a second best for subscription channels, with Netflix closing in on them, but other than that, its Freeview or Freesat for those not wanting subscription television. However, on Freeview HD, online television has begun to surface, with several choices from the likes of VuTV offering subscription channels such as Comedy Central and Cartoon Network via broadband if you're box or Smart TV is compatible. So what's not stopping new providers bringing out their own online boxes, offering a range of channels from around the world? Unless Sky fully jump on the online bandwagon, this could be a game changer for television viewers, being offered alternative channels without the need of a satellite dish or a cable box being installed.

Summing up then, if broadcasters actually took time out at looking into the possibilities of online television and the doors that it could open, not just for them, but to advertisers, sponsors and increase their subscription revenues. Online television in my opinion is certainly the way forward.

Am I Missing The Point Here?

Picture: Fanbase.com

Jeremy Clarkson has finally gone and done it. After a bust up with his producer over food in a hotel while on location, the BBC have suspended him after numerous warnings over his past behaviour. So what am I missing here? Why are hundred of thousands people supporting his actions? Forgive me if I'm wrong, but if a member of staff within any company was violent towards another member of staff, then they would be disciplined, no? So why are people supporting his actions? Now I love watching Top Gear and I don't mind Clarkson, but if he's struck a work colleague, then he needs to face up to the consequences which yeah, could be the sack. So I ask the question again. Why are public, including David Cameron, showing their support for him? If this happened to you, would you like it if you're attacker took this piss of the situation on public television? Yeah, thought as much.

First Year Done!

I cannot believe its been nearly six months since I last blogged anything on here! Well, I've actually been quite busy of late and now I can finally sit down and begin to blog again, amongst other things. So, what have I been doing? Well before I answer that, let me ask you this... How many of you are sitting at or at work or at home, wishing you were doing the job of your dreams? 
For the past twenty years, I've been pursuing the career I always wanted since being a kid - working in the film or television industry. Over those twenty years, I've had some work within the industry working as an actor, voice-over artist, editor and camera operator. However, along side all that, I was also working in a full-time job. A job which I began in 1996, at the same time I was offered an extra's role in Luc Besson's The Fifth Element, which was soon going to be filming at Pinewood Studios. Christ! What do I choose? A full time secure job, or getting an opportunity to be part of a Luc Besson movie? Well, I opted for the secure full time job, something to this day, I totally regret accepting. Now don't get me wrong, over those seventeen years I have met some great people. But, I loved working on film sets more, and I enjoyed the buzz I felt every time I stepped on to a set. Then when the fun was over, it was time to go back to my normal dull job, sitting in an office, bored, stuffing crap in my face to pass the time away. All the time I was wishing I didn't take that gap year in 1994 and went on to University, to get my degree and pursuing the career of my dreams. How many of you can relate to similar circumstances? 

Well, the events that took place over the next year was going to be a life changer. Not only had I suffered from a medical condition which gave me a disability, preventing me from being able to place one foot in front of the other without falling on my arse. But, the intimidation I quietly suffered over the years at work, stepped up a notch, and began to include bullying. This was the thanks I received from working in the public sector for seventeen years. Well, after being screwed over by my supervision with his lies, forcing me back to a workplace, which didn't even properly cater for my disability, despite my supervisor claiming they would. I made a life changing decision and applied to go back to full-time education and got a place at University to finally study for my degree in film and television production. 
My notice was handed in along with a big cheesy grin as I was finally breaking free from that dead end job - yay!

On September 23rd 2013, I started the first day of the rest of my life. I was a student again, I was finally doing something I always wanted to do. But as quick as that, I am now finishing my first year. Over the past eight months, I have met some great people on my course. I have learnt new things and been brought up to date the skills I already had and next Wednesday, is my last day as a first year student and its been - educational.

So what's the moral of this story? Well, all I'm saying is, if you're one of those people who are in a dead end job and want to better yourself, improve your skills, do something you've dreamt of doing. Then go for it! Its never too late and you can be never too old to go to University. Life is too short for pondering on the 'what if' scenario. Go and live your dreams. 

Peace On Earth... When The End is Nigh!

With Christmas soon upon us, the one wish many ask for every year is peace on Earth. Something you and I know will never happen in our live time, in fact, probably never - well until the end of days perhaps.

Its sad thing really for someone to actually say that. But, with the ways of the world and how many monsters roam our lands, could we honestly believe that one day the world will actually be at peace? No, not really, but I'm not saying you still can't cling on to that fine thread of hope. You can wish it all your life, but in reality it will never happen. In fact, you've probably got more chance of winning the lottery than the world becoming a peaceful place.

Now, I'm not a religious person, however, if I was to believe that Heaven and Hell existed, then I would firmly say that we're living in Hell right now. Yes, we've been put here for our sins in a former life.
How can I say such a thing? Well, lets put things in to perspective. The Earth is filled with death, famine, greed, pretty much all of the twelve commandments have been broken since Moses appeared on the mountain side and said "Hey, look at these! I'll place them up here so when you're arsed, you can take a look at them okay".
The world is more of a savage place to live than ever before. You can't travel to some places without wondering - am I going to see tomorrow without some mentalist trying to kill me?
Religion plays a huge part in the violence that reigns across the world. Ooh, and don't you dare sit there and say it doesn't! There many religions out there that are guilty of crimes. What really pisses me off is that some religions are very wealthy. Yet, while people like the Pope sit in their chamber, surrounded by gold and expensive items, they're praying for the end of famine. What a bunch of hypocrites! You're surrounded by wealth, yet your telling your followers to dig deep in their pockets and help while you gloat. Why don't you help if your so proud of the Almighty's work? Hell, if its true to what the bible says, then famine is the doing of God, as punishment to mankind for what Adam and Eve did in the garden of Eden. So, why do we pray and worship a being that is torturing humanity and going against his own commandments. Hmm?
I actually feel sorry for those who devote their lives to religion, as its those that are getting their hearts broken by extremists and others who abuse their position and beliefs.
Its claimed that the western world is the most hated place on the planet. But why? Because we have different religions, beliefs or are of free mind? Well that can prove my point about religion being the cause of hatred in the world, or is it because of our moronic governments? Who don't know what the word 'trust' is any more and can't help but spy on each other, including their so-called 'allies'. If that's the case, then you really don't know the western world at all. Yeah, perhaps you've seen propaganda videos on social media sites, but anyone can make those up and claim its real. But you get the dumb-arses that do believe its real. In reality, the western world is a very generous and caring place. The UK alone donate money (even though we're on our arses financially) to pay for aid to areas that have been devastated by war, earthquakes or extreme weather conditions. We help people in the Third World more than their own government do, and the west is classed as the bad ones. Go figure!
The Muslim and Islamic communities is full of hatred. Not for the western world, but for the extremists who have tainted their beloved religion, killing in the name of God and not preaching the correct beliefs of the Quran. Yet, these extremists have got the western world paranoid about Muslims and Islam. The press have actually had a part to play in all this too. So who the hell can you really trust other than ourselves?

One of the most asked questions by humanity is 'Are we alone?'.
Common sense should really kick in there as we are proof there's life on other planets. But how come we've not encountered other lifeforms from out of space? Well just think about what I've said above. If you were an alien, who is capable of travelling through space, who is more advanced and intelligent than the human race. Would you show your face if you saw how inhuman the planet is? Erm... no! And could you blame them? With the internet being used to show how cruel and barbaric humans can be. Would you risk your life to say 'hello'? So, until we stop killing each other and live as one, in peace as its preached by all religions. I can positively say we will not see any alien lifeforms make an appearance on Earth at all. I think they'll observe us all from a safe distance until we change our ways.

Maggie Thatcher Dies

Milk Thief

Well, who would have thought Maggie Thatcher would be causing more problems after her death?
The people of the United Kingdom have cheered, mourned and even got the record 'Ding-Dong The Witch is Dead' into the UK Top Ten charts. 

I grew up in the 1980's, when Mrs Thatcher was beginning to make a right old noise and showing true Conservative power by pretty much shitting on the poor to make the rich more wealthy. Hmm, similar kind of story with our current Conservative government today.
She crippled the working class by hiking VAT from 8% to 17.5%, stopped free milk for school children, caused a massive rise in unemployment, tried to reduce what powers trade union's had resulting in several strikes including the massive miners' strike, which saw the closure of several mines and the loss of thousands of jobs across the country. But the best was yet to come with the introduction of the Poll Tax which would see rioting in London before eventually being forced out of power by her own party and leadership handed to John Major (erm.. sounds familar *cough* Tony Blair and Gordon Brown).

As soon as her death was announced on the BBC News at One on the 8th of April. The country was soon divided by the news. Many celebrated and held street parties, while other's mainly supporters of Thatcher mourned and vented their disgust at people's comments and celebrations. But what's really annoyed many of the UK citizen's is that Thatcher is to have a ceremonal funeral with full military honours costing the tax payer £8 million. Money which the current Conservative government claimed we didn't have resulting in job cuts and tax increases. Then, oh no, Maggie dies and we now have £8 million to spend on a person more than half the country hated, and had every reason to do so. But this just proves my point regarding the government, they take from poor to give to the rich. Maggie Thatcher in my opinion doesn't deserve such a send off unlike many previous Prime Minister's that did. She was just an old lady with health problems who didn't give a shit about the people of this country, she was someone who did a job and was sacked by her own government and I bet if this country was still under a Labour government, she would not have got the funeral the television networks will ram down our throats on Wednesday. But not many of us will be watching that crap as they'll be thousands of tax payers lining up outside the tax offices across the UK demanding a refund.

May God have mercy on her soul!

Tribute: Richard Griffiths

Richard Griffiths (1947 - 2013)

On March 28th 2013, we said farewell to one of Britain's greatest actors Richard Griffiths.
He was known for his role in the TV series such as 'Pie In The Sky' and a long list of movies such as 'Chariots of Fire', 'Superman II', 'Harry Potter' series, 'History Boys' and more famously as Uncle Monty in 'Withnail and I'.

He came from a small suburb in Teesside called Thornaby, and along with Wendy Richards and Brian Clough. Richard is one of the greatest actors to have emerged from Teesside and made his mark in the world of entertainment. He was admired and loved by many colleagues from whom he worked with throughout his career, and no doubt will be greatly missed.

You did Teesside proud Richard. Rest in Peace.

Exploitation For The Love Of Money

A Good Day To Die Hard - Out Now In Cinemas

Should the BBFC allow studios to make changes to their adult themed films in order to receive a lower rating?
I say a big fat - NO!

This comes to light since the release of the new Die Hard movie in the UK, where Fox and the BBFC have received a slating from fans of the franchise.
Fox approached the BBFC with a workprint of the movie and asked what rating they would receive.
Originally, the BBFC offered a '15' rating uncut, however they gave them optional changes which could be made in order to receive a '12A' rating.

For those who aren't familiar with UK ratings. 12A is like the PG-13 rating, where the film is suitable for persons aged 12 and over, but persons under 12 can view the film with an adult or guardian. The film content is limited on its violence, sex and strong language however, a limited use of the f-word can be used throughout the film.

Fox came back with a finished print taking the suggested cuts on board and the BBFC rated the film '12A'. However, it looks like the UK are the only country (could be wrong) who have received a watered down version of the movie.

So in a time where people are blaming games, movies and television for violence in society (and not the fact that violent people have issues to begin with). Is it right, the BBFC should be making suggestions to studios so adult themed movies like Die Hard can receive a rating where kids can see these films? No is the answer! The BBFC should be looking movies like this and ask 'Is it really suitable for kids?'.

Now in all honesty we know full well why Fox have opted for a lower rating - money! So here we have another argument. Exploiting kids to adult themed movies at the cinema in order to receive a few extra bucks. Shouldn't the BBFC be doing something to stop this explotation in censorship by not offering suggestions to studios so films like Die Hard can't receive a lower rating?
Another reason, especially more-so in the UK is releasing 'uncut' versions of movies on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Ripping Off Customers with Uncut Versions

Customers in the UK have always in my opinion, been victims to a rip-off market, more so with DVD and Blu-Ray films.
Live Free or Die Hard aka Die Hard 4.0 in the UK, suffered the same treatment at the cinemas. It was butchered in order to receive a '12A' rating, then on DVD received a '15' rating uncut. Why? To make more money.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't mind 'uncut' or 'director cut' versions of films such as 'Big' or 'Blade Runner' where the additional footage wasn't cut from the cinema release in order to receive a lower certificate, but the director's chose not to use the footage as they didn't think it was suitable to use for running time or pace purposes.
But more recently, I've noticed films that have received a '12A' rating are getting the 'uncut' treatment later on and it is down to ripping off customers as a majority of these 'uncut' versions only have minutes of extra footage where strong language and minor cuts to violence have been restored.

Overall then, should the BBFC put a stop to studios exploiting kids to adult themed films by not offering them alternative ratings? Yes is the answer!