Posted on by Frank - Follow me on Twitter

This past Saturday, I was watching a thread from Robert Scoble on Twitter in which Robert and his followers were discussing a very interesting topic.  The topic was whether or not TV was dead.

Many people disagreed with Robert in his analysis of TV being dead.  I can definitely see their point of view, but I also can understand the point he was trying to make.  I believe that saying “replaced” sounds a lot better better than “dead.”  First off, “dead” implies it no longer exists and I think that word corresponds to living things…not an inanimate object like a TV.

With technology advancing to new levels, there are many past technologies that are going to replaced in the process.  A quick example is newspapers.  Online content dominates and is the primary way people are getting their daily information.  Newspapers have a presence online and for the most part, many of these newspapers allow their content to be read for free.  So, the idea of a paper newspaper will soon be obsolete.

TV still is running well and attracts many viewers, but online video content has allowed people to catch up on TV shows they missed with full episodes available to them. It raises the question as to when television will be watched only on the internet and buying TV’s won’t be a necessity anymore.  That may raise the question, what about those who play video games?  Hook it up to your computer.  If your monitor is too small, consumers may buy larger monitors.  All-in-one solutions with technology is what customers want because they want their lives made simpler. Now will this idea come to pass in the next few years?  Probably not, but 20 years from now, we don’t know what to expect or predict.  We have to wait and see and that’s the beauty about technology…it brings new and exciting things.

Claiming that a piece of technology is dead is rather strong to say.  Things get replaced, just like when you replace food in your pantry because it’s out of date or you are out of that item. Technology can be looked at in the same way.  It’s the “I don’t need this anymore” or “there’s something better” philosophy when it comes to technology.

It all comes down to personal opinion and what your definition of the word “dead” is when it comes to technology.  I think though Robert’s question lead to a great discussion and really made people think and interact on high volumes.  However, I am curious as to how you feel.  Do you believe this is true?  Can TV or a piece of technology ever be “dead”  or is it like what I said, replaced?

Further reading:

Will 2010 Still Produce Positive Upgrades In Technology?

Web 3.0 – The Next Generation Of The Web

Where Would We Be Had Technology Not Advanced?

How To Make New Technology Work For You

Posted in Technology | Comments (3)