H79.2594 Lecture 4 Credits
Instructor(s): Tiersky
“Internet Television” defines the union of three independent forms: linear video content (such as a television program), the broadband Internet as a distribution mechanism, and interactive devices (such as the PC, mobile phone, PSP or TiVo) as playback and interaction platforms. While the convergence of these forms has been predicted and expected for several years, 2006 was a watershed year for Internet Television with such milestones as the launch of Google Video, the rise of YouTube, and the availability of
Lost on iTunes. The potential of Internet Television is twofold: First, to empower viewers to watch
what they want to watch
when and
where they want to experience it. Second, to empower content creators with a rich new medium for which to develop innovative types of entertainment experiences that leverage full motion video, interactivity and a ubiquitous “connectivity.” This course explores the history, current mainstream emergence, and predicted future of several different experience categories that make up the world of Internet Television. Categories in focus include the “2 foot” PC-based broadband video experience, the “six inch” mobile video experience, and the “ten foot” experience of the living room television + internet-enabled set-top box. What opportunities to create new forms of entertainment or communication are enabled by the mainstream emergence of these various flavors of Internet Television? This question is approached from two angles: the creative and the practical. On a practical level, the class covers some of the specific technical steps involved in preparing video, designing interfaces and coding interactivity for a variety of Internet Television platforms. During the semester, students are required to pick one of these platforms to research and present to the class in greater depth. On a creative level, students are expected to review and prepare regular critiques of various examples of Internet Television content and develop their own creative concepts for Internet Television properties to “pitch” to the class. The class provides feedback and explores the aesthetics and boundaries of this emerging medium. At the end of the semester, students present a more fully flushed out proposal for a specific “concept” for an Internet Television property. The class has periodic drop-in visits from executives in the entertainment, advertising, and consumer electronics industries to provide perspective on the current trends and opportunities for innovation.
