Factual information
The Nintendo wii is a newly released games console. It uses a handheld remote that senses your movement, and echoes it on screen. It follows the trends set by the playstation eyetoy, of trying to make games consoles more active, as it encourages physical activity in gamers. It is perhaps the gaming industries way of fighting back against the negative portrayal of young gamers.
Audience
It has also proved quite successful. Since its release in the UK it has attracted not only young gamers, but parents, and young to middle aged adults as well.
The console itself has changed/influenced gaming, and made it into a more inclusive activity that can be enjoyed by the family or a group of people at the same time. It range of games, also mean that it can be used by hard core gamers, and well as those who are less serious about it.
Institutions
Promotes a healthier more active and family friendly status for Nintendo, and their use of mew technology makes them appear modernised and innovative.
It effects exhibition, as it is a whole new way of playing games, and is therefore different to any pre-existing games consoles.
Key concepts
Interactivity: the gamer is physically involved in the game
Widened reach: because the technology is a bit different to previous consoles, different audiences are gaining interest because it appears less daunting to them. it also seems like the ‘healthier choice’ of console, an idea that is heavily promoted in today’s society.
Tuesday, 24 April 2007
Free choice: Wireless internet connection
Factual information
Wireless internet is a new technology that is becoming increasingly popular and widely used. It enables consoles such as computers, mobile phones and even games consoles to connect to the internet without the need for wires. It may not be an obvious new technology to pick, but it has enabled improved quality of consumption relating to many other new technologies.
Audience
The impact on audiences is great as it widens the potential for many people to use the internet, and makes it more convenient.
It allows people to
· Use multiple computers or laptops in one household, using 1 connection.
· Access internet from many access points in the city
· Link to a school or work network
· Use a laptop to access the internet from anywhere (for example, me sitting in bed on my laptop)
· Access the internet using a mobile phone or hand held/desktop computer, making mobile surfing much cheaper that access through service providers.
Overall, wireless connections increase the accessibility of other new media technologies, enabling audiences to use them in a much more convenient way.
Institutions
Wireless connections influence distribution and marketing of media, as it widens the potential audience by making internet usage more convenient and portable.
Media Texts
BT internet offers a wireless internet connection that can be accessed in various places throughout the city.
Key concepts
Flexibility/convenience: wireless connection allows the audience to access the internet potentially from any place and at any time.
Proliferation/Increased reach: the potential for accessing the internet is increasing, so more people will use it.
Wireless internet is a new technology that is becoming increasingly popular and widely used. It enables consoles such as computers, mobile phones and even games consoles to connect to the internet without the need for wires. It may not be an obvious new technology to pick, but it has enabled improved quality of consumption relating to many other new technologies.
Audience
The impact on audiences is great as it widens the potential for many people to use the internet, and makes it more convenient.
It allows people to
· Use multiple computers or laptops in one household, using 1 connection.
· Access internet from many access points in the city
· Link to a school or work network
· Use a laptop to access the internet from anywhere (for example, me sitting in bed on my laptop)
· Access the internet using a mobile phone or hand held/desktop computer, making mobile surfing much cheaper that access through service providers.
Overall, wireless connections increase the accessibility of other new media technologies, enabling audiences to use them in a much more convenient way.
Institutions
Wireless connections influence distribution and marketing of media, as it widens the potential audience by making internet usage more convenient and portable.
Media Texts
BT internet offers a wireless internet connection that can be accessed in various places throughout the city.
Key concepts
Flexibility/convenience: wireless connection allows the audience to access the internet potentially from any place and at any time.
Proliferation/Increased reach: the potential for accessing the internet is increasing, so more people will use it.
Music consumption on iTunes.
Factual information.
iTunes, is a computer program that enables music consumption. It is made by apple and works with a range of iPods. It enables the consumer to:
· rip music from CD’s
· burn cd’s
· download/buy
o music
o podcasts
o audiobooks
o games movies
o TV shows
· organise music into playlists, or according to specific details
· play music
· add music to your ipod
The technology replaces traditional way of consuming music, such as buying an album or single, or listening to the radio.
Audience
The iPod and iTunes are used by an incredibly wide audience. They are used by a very large group of teens and young people, but the audience also stretches to business men and women, and middle aged people. It allows the audience to choose from a much wider range of music and media, allowing more niche audience groups. It also allows people to purchase single tracks, rather than having to buy a whole album. iTunes can also suggest similar music, to what is in you iTunes library, meaning that it introduces artists or tracks that you might not find otherwise.
Institutions
Institutions that are involved are Apple, who produce the program. The music industry and institutions are also involved as it is a platform that allows them to distribute and promote their music and artists.
In recent developments, television and movie institutions are becoming involved, as the new iPods enable movies and television to by viewed.
Its main influence is on the distribution of music, as it provides a new method of selling music. It is a convenient and quick way of selling, that is much easier than buying a CD in a shop, and so it enables distributors to widen their audience reach.
Relevant media texts
iTunes, iPod,
Key Concepts
Convenience: iTunes allows the audience/consumes to access their music at any time of day. They can buy it from the comfort of their own home, and do not have to buy tracks that they do not like.
Convergence: iTunes and iPod enable the consumer to access TV, movies, radio and music on one program or handset.
iTunes, is a computer program that enables music consumption. It is made by apple and works with a range of iPods. It enables the consumer to:
· rip music from CD’s
· burn cd’s
· download/buy
o music
o podcasts
o audiobooks
o games movies
o TV shows
· organise music into playlists, or according to specific details
· play music
· add music to your ipod
The technology replaces traditional way of consuming music, such as buying an album or single, or listening to the radio.
Audience
The iPod and iTunes are used by an incredibly wide audience. They are used by a very large group of teens and young people, but the audience also stretches to business men and women, and middle aged people. It allows the audience to choose from a much wider range of music and media, allowing more niche audience groups. It also allows people to purchase single tracks, rather than having to buy a whole album. iTunes can also suggest similar music, to what is in you iTunes library, meaning that it introduces artists or tracks that you might not find otherwise.
Institutions
Institutions that are involved are Apple, who produce the program. The music industry and institutions are also involved as it is a platform that allows them to distribute and promote their music and artists.
In recent developments, television and movie institutions are becoming involved, as the new iPods enable movies and television to by viewed.
Its main influence is on the distribution of music, as it provides a new method of selling music. It is a convenient and quick way of selling, that is much easier than buying a CD in a shop, and so it enables distributors to widen their audience reach.
Relevant media texts
iTunes, iPod,
Key Concepts
Convenience: iTunes allows the audience/consumes to access their music at any time of day. They can buy it from the comfort of their own home, and do not have to buy tracks that they do not like.
Convergence: iTunes and iPod enable the consumer to access TV, movies, radio and music on one program or handset.
Webzine. –AskMen.com
Factual information
An webzine is an online magazine. It has all the features of a normal magazine, but uses the internet instead of a physical magazine. Obviously, this offers the possibility for improved interactivity, and a potentially improved satisfaction.
They are regularly updated, some parts daily, some parts weekly. Uk.askmen.com is an example of a webzine.
Audience
Askmen.com is a lifestyle magazine targeted at young to middle aged men. It includes a wide range of features including:
· dating
· sexuality
· entertainment
· fashion and lifestyle
· health and sport
· money
· cars and gaming
· etc
these features are quite broad, and attract a wide range of men. The home site also includes features such as the daily stories or news, and quotes or facts of the day. The use of internet also allows videos to be used.
Institutions
The website is produced by IGN entertainment who are responsible for a range of other male centred websites such as gamerMetrics and rotten tomatoes.
Publishing an online magazine, influences all processes:
Production is perhaps quicker and more regular, because the website must be updated daily, rather than weekly like in traditional lifestyle magazines.
Distribution is obviously different because it is online, rather than in the shops in the form of a physical magazine.
It allows the institution to widen yet fragment their audience reach, as different areas of the website attract different types of man.
The online facility brings with it advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages are obviously that the audience can choose their favourite sections and features, and can choose from a less limited supply of resources.
Disadvantages are that because anyone can create a website, there is potentially much more competition, and less ‘brand loyalty’ as a result. Many webzines are also free, so the institutions will be earning less money.
Key concepts
Online surveillance: the institution can track what their readers are enjoying, and this may influence production
Narrowcasting: there is the potential for much more specialised webzines based around particular hobbies or interests.
Convenience: the audience can access the webzine from anywhere using an internet connection. Interactivity: the audience can become more involved with the webzine and can contribute to it much more than in traditional magazines.
An webzine is an online magazine. It has all the features of a normal magazine, but uses the internet instead of a physical magazine. Obviously, this offers the possibility for improved interactivity, and a potentially improved satisfaction.
They are regularly updated, some parts daily, some parts weekly. Uk.askmen.com is an example of a webzine.
Audience
Askmen.com is a lifestyle magazine targeted at young to middle aged men. It includes a wide range of features including:
· dating
· sexuality
· entertainment
· fashion and lifestyle
· health and sport
· money
· cars and gaming
· etc
these features are quite broad, and attract a wide range of men. The home site also includes features such as the daily stories or news, and quotes or facts of the day. The use of internet also allows videos to be used.
Institutions
The website is produced by IGN entertainment who are responsible for a range of other male centred websites such as gamerMetrics and rotten tomatoes.
Publishing an online magazine, influences all processes:
Production is perhaps quicker and more regular, because the website must be updated daily, rather than weekly like in traditional lifestyle magazines.
Distribution is obviously different because it is online, rather than in the shops in the form of a physical magazine.
It allows the institution to widen yet fragment their audience reach, as different areas of the website attract different types of man.
The online facility brings with it advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages are obviously that the audience can choose their favourite sections and features, and can choose from a less limited supply of resources.
Disadvantages are that because anyone can create a website, there is potentially much more competition, and less ‘brand loyalty’ as a result. Many webzines are also free, so the institutions will be earning less money.
Key concepts
Online surveillance: the institution can track what their readers are enjoying, and this may influence production
Narrowcasting: there is the potential for much more specialised webzines based around particular hobbies or interests.
Convenience: the audience can access the webzine from anywhere using an internet connection. Interactivity: the audience can become more involved with the webzine and can contribute to it much more than in traditional magazines.
Podcasting
Factual information
Biology 2120: Lectures on Anatomy and Physiology podcasts, take advantage of quick internet connections and download speeds in order to allow the audience to download previous shows and listen to them at any time of day. They can catch up on any they have missed or listen to shows they have particularly enjoyed.
Audience
This pod cast is targeted at university students. It allows them to catch up on any lectures they have missed, or re-listen to any they may not understand. It is also useful for revision purposes as they can look back and re-listen to them.
It is a quick any easy way of making information, or entertainment available to anyone at any time, and is a whole new way of distributing the media.
Podcast.net
http://www.podcast.net/show/74174
Podcastalley.com
Key Terms
Democratisation: this technology enables anyone to be involved. Anyone can create or download podcasts. This is made possible by cheap digital audio recorders, and high speed internet connections.
Diversification: the possible subjects upon which podcasts are based are limitless, meaning that the potential for extremely niche audience groups are phenomenal. Anyone can produces podcasts where they can air their views or opinions on any topics, or create ones for particular genres of music for example.
Biology 2120: Lectures on Anatomy and Physiology podcasts, take advantage of quick internet connections and download speeds in order to allow the audience to download previous shows and listen to them at any time of day. They can catch up on any they have missed or listen to shows they have particularly enjoyed.
Audience
This pod cast is targeted at university students. It allows them to catch up on any lectures they have missed, or re-listen to any they may not understand. It is also useful for revision purposes as they can look back and re-listen to them.
It is a quick any easy way of making information, or entertainment available to anyone at any time, and is a whole new way of distributing the media.
Podcast.net
http://www.podcast.net/show/74174
Podcastalley.com
Key Terms
Democratisation: this technology enables anyone to be involved. Anyone can create or download podcasts. This is made possible by cheap digital audio recorders, and high speed internet connections.
Diversification: the possible subjects upon which podcasts are based are limitless, meaning that the potential for extremely niche audience groups are phenomenal. Anyone can produces podcasts where they can air their views or opinions on any topics, or create ones for particular genres of music for example.
Sunday, 15 April 2007
Weetabix week on youtube.com
Factual information
The technologies used to create this vlog are:
· Cheap digital cameras
· Editing software
· Music downloading
· Quick internet connections
· Host site- youtube.com
Audience
Vlogs are produced and exhibited by people of all ages all around the world. People use them in many different ways:
· like a diary,
· to voice their opinions
· to create fan films
· for comedy/entertainment
· etc
Vlogs are made by the audience, for the audience, something that is very different to conventional technologies. They are produced using only amateur equipment, as mentioned above and are exhibited online using host sites. The audience can rate your vlogs, and there are channels which allow different genres to be classified.
From an institutional point of view, vlogs are new and very different because the audience do all of the jobs that would be done. They produce their own videos, distribute them on the internet and promote them by sending a link to friends. All id needed is technologies such as the internet, and sites such as youtube.
Key concepts
Interactivity: the audience are completely interactive with the media as they create and distribute it.
Democratisation : sites like youtube and the cheap cost of equipment, allow anyone to create videos in this way.
Capital fm: Hit 40 UK
Factual information
Hit 40 UK is a show on Sundays, which plays the top 40 songs of the week. The webpage offers a range of special features related to it:
· Find out about songs/artists
· Listen to ‘exclusive interviews’
· Enter competitions
· Watch music videos and listen to music
· View fan sites
· Talk to other fans
· Post on message boards
· Buy music
· But concert tickets
· Find out about the top singles, albums and DVD's
· Register and receive exclusive information, and offers
· Vote for your favourite song, producer, artist etc
Audience
As with most capital programs, the show is aimed at quite a wide audience, however with its flash, modernised format, the website appears highly attractive to a younger audience of teens and young adults.
Institutions
The site allows the institution to track their audiences tastes.
Music institutions can also use the site to promote their songs and artists.
Key terms
Flexibility and convenience: the audience can check out the charts at any time, and they can listen to the songs. This means that they can consume the radio show after it has been broadcast.
Online surveillance: capital fm can track their audiences interests.
Hit 40 UK is a show on Sundays, which plays the top 40 songs of the week. The webpage offers a range of special features related to it:
· Find out about songs/artists
· Listen to ‘exclusive interviews’
· Enter competitions
· Watch music videos and listen to music
· View fan sites
· Talk to other fans
· Post on message boards
· Buy music
· But concert tickets
· Find out about the top singles, albums and DVD's
· Register and receive exclusive information, and offers
· Vote for your favourite song, producer, artist etc
Audience
As with most capital programs, the show is aimed at quite a wide audience, however with its flash, modernised format, the website appears highly attractive to a younger audience of teens and young adults.
Institutions
The site allows the institution to track their audiences tastes.
Music institutions can also use the site to promote their songs and artists.
Key terms
Flexibility and convenience: the audience can check out the charts at any time, and they can listen to the songs. This means that they can consume the radio show after it has been broadcast.
Online surveillance: capital fm can track their audiences interests.
Capital fm
Factual information
The capital fm website uses the internet, and high speed connections to allow the audience to:
· Listen to capital fm live online
· Watch the show on webcam
· Listen to previous shows on pod casts
· Read about different presenters
· View the schedule for the different shows
· View pictures
· Enter competitions
· Vote for favourite shows, artists, songs
· Read news headlines
· Write in to radio shows
· See weather and travel information
· Find information for texting, emailing or calling the show
· Buy music
· See film reviews find out about events
· Donate money to their charity, help a London child
· Watch music videos
· Register and receive information from the station
Audience
Capital has a very wide audience reach because it plays mostly pop music.
The website allows the audience to
· become more involved with the show
· find out more about their favourite shows, presenters, artists or songs,
· share their views
· access their favourite shows at any time of day
Institutions
Capital fm use the website as an alternate way of communicating with their audience. They can use it in many different ways. It allows them to:
· Involve the audience in their radio shows, meaning that the audience get a better experience.
· Track their audiences tastes and adapt the production or scheduling to suit them.
· Find out how satisfied their audience are.
· Exhibit their shows online
· Market events and programs to the audience
Relevant texts
Capitalfm.co.uk
Radio shows: capital breakfast, lucio’s drivetime, hit 40 UK etc.
Key concepts
Convergence: the website offers radio, video clips and much more all on one site.
Online surveillance: The site allows institutions to track their audiences tastes, so that they can adapt production/scheduling to increase audience satisfaction.
Greater Reach: Allowing people to access shows via the internet, broadens the potential audience because people can listen from anywhere in the world.
Flexibility/convenience: People can also listen to shows at a later date, if the scheduling does not fit their lifestyle.
The capital fm website uses the internet, and high speed connections to allow the audience to:
· Listen to capital fm live online
· Watch the show on webcam
· Listen to previous shows on pod casts
· Read about different presenters
· View the schedule for the different shows
· View pictures
· Enter competitions
· Vote for favourite shows, artists, songs
· Read news headlines
· Write in to radio shows
· See weather and travel information
· Find information for texting, emailing or calling the show
· Buy music
· See film reviews find out about events
· Donate money to their charity, help a London child
· Watch music videos
· Register and receive information from the station
Audience
Capital has a very wide audience reach because it plays mostly pop music.
The website allows the audience to
· become more involved with the show
· find out more about their favourite shows, presenters, artists or songs,
· share their views
· access their favourite shows at any time of day
Institutions
Capital fm use the website as an alternate way of communicating with their audience. They can use it in many different ways. It allows them to:
· Involve the audience in their radio shows, meaning that the audience get a better experience.
· Track their audiences tastes and adapt the production or scheduling to suit them.
· Find out how satisfied their audience are.
· Exhibit their shows online
· Market events and programs to the audience
Relevant texts
Capitalfm.co.uk
Radio shows: capital breakfast, lucio’s drivetime, hit 40 UK etc.
Key concepts
Convergence: the website offers radio, video clips and much more all on one site.
Online surveillance: The site allows institutions to track their audiences tastes, so that they can adapt production/scheduling to increase audience satisfaction.
Greater Reach: Allowing people to access shows via the internet, broadens the potential audience because people can listen from anywhere in the world.
Flexibility/convenience: People can also listen to shows at a later date, if the scheduling does not fit their lifestyle.
Channel 4: Skins website
Factual information
The skins website provides an extension to the program for skins fans, it provides a range of special features for them. These include:
· viewing extra clips
· enter competitions
· find out about characters
· register and receive special updates about
· post on forums
· visit the skins website
· get freebies
· download the theme tune
· read the latest info about the next series
How does it relate to the audience?
The target audience for the skins website is teenagers. The opening page has a warning that the content is unsuitable for people under the age of 18. This encourages this audience because it makes accessing the site ‘illegal’ which is a common theme in the show.
The audience use the site to access all of the special features above, and it acts as a way that they can access a weekly program at any time they wish. It also makes the experience feel more personalised because watching the ‘exclusive clips’ privately makes the consumer feel more involved in the show.
Institutions
The producers of skins and channel 4 can use the website to:
· find out who is watching the program
· find out how popular the program is
· keep the audience hooked
· produce revenue from sponsors or advertisers
· distribute the program via the internet
· produce lots of hype by marketing the series online
Skins is a very good example of online marketing and distribution. The series was heavily promoted online using youtube.com to distribute the highly enigmatic trailer and clips from the first episode.
Key Concepts
Flexibility and convenience: the website allows the audience to time their media consumption around their lifestyle. It allows them to access the program any time of the week, and keeps them thinking about it.
Online surveillance: The website allows institutions such as channel 4 to track their audience, and find out about what is popular with them.
Saturday, 14 April 2007
Channel 4: interactivity page
Interactivity section of Channel 4 website
Factual and audience info
This section of the website, replaces the old style interactivity methods of calling into your favourite tv show, or sending in letters. It allows the audience to instantly send in messages, play games, vote for their favourite shows or bands, and much much more. It is mostly relevant to younger social groups, e.g. young teenagers to young adults. This is mostly due to the fact that they are the most media savvy of the different audiences. The audience uses the interactivity capabilities to personalise their media, making the consumption of it more satisfying, and to alter the media according to their tastes. This is done because channel 4 use the feedback received from the audience to improve their services and programs.
Institutional information
Again, channel 4 are involved because they provide the website, however, this section of the website affects all areas of production.
Production companies may use feedback given in the form of votes or forum comments to alter or improve their productions.
Channel 4 can use current trends to choose which sorts of program to produce or commission.
Advertisers are able to promote their products through sponsorship, or by providing prizes or sample games such as Burnout dominator for PSP or PS2
Key concepts
o Interactivity
o Online surveillance: this type of media consumption allows institutions to track who is consuming the media, and the ways in which they are doing this. It allows them to analyse what is successful or unsuccessful and therefore improve the experience for the audience.
o Personalisation and fragmentation: interactive media websites obviously provide a more personal experience to the audience. This site has different activities that are relevant to specific groups from channel 4’s audience. The good thing about it however is that while the sections/genres are very niche and fragmented, they are all brought together in one site, which navigates the audience in a way that attracts them to many of these fragmented groups.
Factual and audience info
This section of the website, replaces the old style interactivity methods of calling into your favourite tv show, or sending in letters. It allows the audience to instantly send in messages, play games, vote for their favourite shows or bands, and much much more. It is mostly relevant to younger social groups, e.g. young teenagers to young adults. This is mostly due to the fact that they are the most media savvy of the different audiences. The audience uses the interactivity capabilities to personalise their media, making the consumption of it more satisfying, and to alter the media according to their tastes. This is done because channel 4 use the feedback received from the audience to improve their services and programs.
Institutional information
Again, channel 4 are involved because they provide the website, however, this section of the website affects all areas of production.
Production companies may use feedback given in the form of votes or forum comments to alter or improve their productions.
Channel 4 can use current trends to choose which sorts of program to produce or commission.
Advertisers are able to promote their products through sponsorship, or by providing prizes or sample games such as Burnout dominator for PSP or PS2
Key concepts
o Interactivity
o Online surveillance: this type of media consumption allows institutions to track who is consuming the media, and the ways in which they are doing this. It allows them to analyse what is successful or unsuccessful and therefore improve the experience for the audience.
o Personalisation and fragmentation: interactive media websites obviously provide a more personal experience to the audience. This site has different activities that are relevant to specific groups from channel 4’s audience. The good thing about it however is that while the sections/genres are very niche and fragmented, they are all brought together in one site, which navigates the audience in a way that attracts them to many of these fragmented groups.
Channel 4 website
Channel 4
Factual information
Channel 4 website is an extension of the channel 4 channels, C4, E4 and Film4. it uses the internet, and takes advantage of cheap and quick internet connections, allowing people to up/down load videos, pictures and sound clips.
Audience
The website is used by predominantly middle class social groups with people of all ages. The website is arranged into 8 main groups, these are, home, watch online, TV, entertainment, lifestyle, news, documentaries, and interact. They offer a wide range of activities and features.
Watch online
o Watch clips from films, or programs
o Download VOD casts, episodes, or series of C4’s programs
o Watch online shows
o Watch previews of new episodes
TV
o View TV listings
o See reviews of all shows
o Interact with shows
o See rankings of programs
o View ratings and reviews of films
Entertainment
o Play games
o Do quizzes
o See film reviews
o Enter competitions
o View movie trailers
o See web charts
o Find out about comedy programs
o Find out about lifestyle shows
o Play games
o Upload your own comedy clips
o Read scripts
oVote for your favourite shows
o View and post on forums to see what other people think about tv shows, artists, films etc.
Lifestyle
o Read reviews of cars
o Find ca r insurance/loans
o See pictures of cars
o Online dating-find a date
o Give dating advise
o General lifestyle guidance
o Get advise on parenting
o Find out about buying and selling homes in UK and abroad
o Advice about money management
o View recipes
News
o View up to date news headlines
o Browse news archives
o Find out about a wide range of stories
o View catch up shows from C4 news
o Create/view blogs for expressing opinions on the news
o Download pod casts
Documentaries
o Watch films
o Upload own films
o Read about previous documentaries form C4
o Look at different types, topics
o Do quizzes
Interact
o Upload your own films
o Upload own music
o Get mobile alerts
o Download clips to your mobile
o Download podcasts,
o Download vod casts from 4oD
o Make websites
o Enter competitions
o Play games
o Post and view forums
The website not only supports the television channels, it offers extensions to it. It has information and video clips that are not available on the television.
Audience Summary
It allows the audience to become fully interactive with any aspect of the tv channels. They can consume it at any time, and from anywhere, and it provides a much more interactive method of exhibition.
It applies to all social groups because it has a very wide audience reach.
How does it relate to institutions?
Channel 4 use the website to increase the brand loyalty and satisfaction with their audience.
The audience feel much more involved with the tv channels and so become very loyal to it.
The website also allows them to receive feedback and track what is popular, and with which audience group.
Advertisers can also make use of the website, by placing ads on it, or by sponsoring select pages.
Key concepts that are illustrated
o Interactivity: the website allows the audience to become much more involved with the television show and so it becomes much more personal
o Non-linear: the website is very non-linear, and allows the audience to choose which bits of it they want to see, this allows or encourages them to be drawn into it because there is lots of overlap between different sites.
o Flexibility: the ability to watch clips or even whole programs or series on the website, means that the media is adapted to fit around the audiences lifestyle. It gives the audience much more satisfaction because they can enjoys their media consumption when it suits them.
Factual information
Channel 4 website is an extension of the channel 4 channels, C4, E4 and Film4. it uses the internet, and takes advantage of cheap and quick internet connections, allowing people to up/down load videos, pictures and sound clips.
Audience
The website is used by predominantly middle class social groups with people of all ages. The website is arranged into 8 main groups, these are, home, watch online, TV, entertainment, lifestyle, news, documentaries, and interact. They offer a wide range of activities and features.
Watch online
o Watch clips from films, or programs
o Download VOD casts, episodes, or series of C4’s programs
o Watch online shows
o Watch previews of new episodes
TV
o View TV listings
o See reviews of all shows
o Interact with shows
o See rankings of programs
o View ratings and reviews of films
Entertainment
o Play games
o Do quizzes
o See film reviews
o Enter competitions
o View movie trailers
o See web charts
o Find out about comedy programs
o Find out about lifestyle shows
o Play games
o Upload your own comedy clips
o Read scripts
oVote for your favourite shows
o View and post on forums to see what other people think about tv shows, artists, films etc.
Lifestyle
o Read reviews of cars
o Find ca r insurance/loans
o See pictures of cars
o Online dating-find a date
o Give dating advise
o General lifestyle guidance
o Get advise on parenting
o Find out about buying and selling homes in UK and abroad
o Advice about money management
o View recipes
News
o View up to date news headlines
o Browse news archives
o Find out about a wide range of stories
o View catch up shows from C4 news
o Create/view blogs for expressing opinions on the news
o Download pod casts
Documentaries
o Watch films
o Upload own films
o Read about previous documentaries form C4
o Look at different types, topics
o Do quizzes
Interact
o Upload your own films
o Upload own music
o Get mobile alerts
o Download clips to your mobile
o Download podcasts,
o Download vod casts from 4oD
o Make websites
o Enter competitions
o Play games
o Post and view forums
The website not only supports the television channels, it offers extensions to it. It has information and video clips that are not available on the television.
Audience Summary
It allows the audience to become fully interactive with any aspect of the tv channels. They can consume it at any time, and from anywhere, and it provides a much more interactive method of exhibition.
It applies to all social groups because it has a very wide audience reach.
How does it relate to institutions?
Channel 4 use the website to increase the brand loyalty and satisfaction with their audience.
The audience feel much more involved with the tv channels and so become very loyal to it.
The website also allows them to receive feedback and track what is popular, and with which audience group.
Advertisers can also make use of the website, by placing ads on it, or by sponsoring select pages.
Key concepts that are illustrated
o Interactivity: the website allows the audience to become much more involved with the television show and so it becomes much more personal
o Non-linear: the website is very non-linear, and allows the audience to choose which bits of it they want to see, this allows or encourages them to be drawn into it because there is lots of overlap between different sites.
o Flexibility: the ability to watch clips or even whole programs or series on the website, means that the media is adapted to fit around the audiences lifestyle. It gives the audience much more satisfaction because they can enjoys their media consumption when it suits them.
Monday, 26 March 2007
Converged, portable technology - Nokia N73
Mobile phones are a portable version of the traditional telephone. Not only do the replace them, but offer a whole new world of possibilities.
The nokia N73 is a good example of converged, portable technology. It offers a wide range od features in a light comfortable, stylish handset. In comparison with other phones, it offers a lot of features, all of which are very advanced.
Its general features are:
· An inbuilt camera
· Games
· Music player
· Radio
· Television capabilities
· Internet
· Video calling
· Voice calling
· Large internal memory capacity and SD card slot
· Bluetooth
· Data transfer
· Quick office software
· Nokia life blog
1. Technology
Camera
3.2 megapicel camera with Carl Zeiss optics which produce clear, sharp pictures.
Auto focus
Easy to use functions, eg ISO, scene mode and white balance
Sliding Lens cover- protection
Editing software –adobe
Capability of increasing memory space- SD card slot.
Games
Good graphics allow gamers to enjoy using their phones for gaming
Stereo speakers enhance experience
Joystick makes control easy
Music and audio player
MP3 player
Radio headset
Stereo speakers on top and bottom of the phone
Nokia music manager application allows you to create playlists and transfer music from PC to phone
Television and video calling
3G technology
good graphics and sound quality
Operating system
Camera on front and back of phone
Sensitive built in microphone
Internet
WAP
Quick and cheaper connections
2. How does it relate to audiences?
It is a great phone for business people who want to send of receive e-mails or view files such as word documents or PDF files. It is easily synchronised with PC so diaries/calendar can be updated.
The phone is also attractive to young people, eg teens because of the quality of it’s features, e.g. the quality of the graphics, camera and the ability to upload music, pictures and video, to or from the computer or phone.
3. Institutions
Nokia, and the network provider involved, e.g. Vodafone, t-mobile, O2, virgin
Depending upon how the phone is used, it may involve other institutions such as television providers, or companies who produce websites.
Sony have links with the camera on the phone
4. Media texts
Games – snakes, tetris, summer, pac-man, EXAS, MCG
Office tools – quick office, adobe reasder, visto
Entertainment – Nokia life blog, nokia music manager, Carl Zeis camera/sony, real player, flash player, 3-D tones.
5. What Key concepts are involved
Convergence – This is the main concept illustrated by all mobile phones.
Personalisation- Many features can be personalised, eg themes, ringtones, backgrounds, wallpapers, ect
Interactivity – people can interact with each other and the media using mobiles
Portability – phones are lightweight and portable, this is an essential feature of them
Minaturisation – the past two decades has seen mobile phones getting smaller and smaller, although they are getting a bit larger now. Larger screen sizes are becoming popular, because it enhances the quality of experience.
Democratisation – Phones are available to everyone. They are cheap, and readily available in the high street or online. Also, despite the complex features on many phones, the basic features are generally very easy to use.
Vertical integration – If you buy a nokia phone, it is likely that you will want to buy a range of accessories to go with it, eg facias themes, ringtones, charms, cases, chargers ect. Also, nokia mobile phones are generally easy to use and have different layouts to others, so users will automatically want to buy nokias in the future, because they are familiar with this layout. This is an example of brand loyalty
Its general features are:
· An inbuilt camera
· Games
· Music player
· Radio
· Television capabilities
· Internet
· Video calling
· Voice calling
· Large internal memory capacity and SD card slot
· Bluetooth
· Data transfer
· Quick office software
· Nokia life blog
1. Technology
Camera
3.2 megapicel camera with Carl Zeiss optics which produce clear, sharp pictures.
Auto focus
Easy to use functions, eg ISO, scene mode and white balance
Sliding Lens cover- protection
Editing software –adobe
Capability of increasing memory space- SD card slot.
Games
Good graphics allow gamers to enjoy using their phones for gaming
Stereo speakers enhance experience
Joystick makes control easy
Music and audio player
MP3 player
Radio headset
Stereo speakers on top and bottom of the phone
Nokia music manager application allows you to create playlists and transfer music from PC to phone
Television and video calling
3G technology
good graphics and sound quality
Operating system
Camera on front and back of phone
Sensitive built in microphone
Internet
WAP
Quick and cheaper connections
2. How does it relate to audiences?
It is a great phone for business people who want to send of receive e-mails or view files such as word documents or PDF files. It is easily synchronised with PC so diaries/calendar can be updated.
The phone is also attractive to young people, eg teens because of the quality of it’s features, e.g. the quality of the graphics, camera and the ability to upload music, pictures and video, to or from the computer or phone.
3. Institutions
Nokia, and the network provider involved, e.g. Vodafone, t-mobile, O2, virgin
Depending upon how the phone is used, it may involve other institutions such as television providers, or companies who produce websites.
Sony have links with the camera on the phone
4. Media texts
Games – snakes, tetris, summer, pac-man, EXAS, MCG
Office tools – quick office, adobe reasder, visto
Entertainment – Nokia life blog, nokia music manager, Carl Zeis camera/sony, real player, flash player, 3-D tones.
5. What Key concepts are involved
Convergence – This is the main concept illustrated by all mobile phones.
Personalisation- Many features can be personalised, eg themes, ringtones, backgrounds, wallpapers, ect
Interactivity – people can interact with each other and the media using mobiles
Portability – phones are lightweight and portable, this is an essential feature of them
Minaturisation – the past two decades has seen mobile phones getting smaller and smaller, although they are getting a bit larger now. Larger screen sizes are becoming popular, because it enhances the quality of experience.
Democratisation – Phones are available to everyone. They are cheap, and readily available in the high street or online. Also, despite the complex features on many phones, the basic features are generally very easy to use.
Vertical integration – If you buy a nokia phone, it is likely that you will want to buy a range of accessories to go with it, eg facias themes, ringtones, charms, cases, chargers ect. Also, nokia mobile phones are generally easy to use and have different layouts to others, so users will automatically want to buy nokias in the future, because they are familiar with this layout. This is an example of brand loyalty
Tuesday, 20 March 2007
Blogging
I thought that this might be an appropriate area to start, as I am currently a blogger novice!
Factual information:
Blogs are web pages made up of short and frequently updated posts. They can be used like a public diary, where people can voice their opinions, thoughts or ideas online. They allow people to say virtually anything they like. It replaces traditional methods of keeping a diary, however it is open for public viewing and is therefore not perhaps where you want to publish your innermost thoughts.
Technology:
Uses the internet, specifically on blogging, social networking host sites, like myspace.com or http://www.blogger.com
How does it relate to the audience
Blogging would be beneficial to a very wide range of audiences, however the technology is currently not very mainstream. It is very popular with teenage and university groups, including people aged around 13-25 and is mainly used for social networking. However it has many potential uses:
i. Family blog-keeping in touch with family and friends
ii. Reuniting friends after many years apart.
iii. Recording research and ideas during projects
iv. Meeting people with common interests
v. Sharing your own productions, eg songs, videos
It is used by audiences to consume the media. They can:
i. Post links to other websites,
ii. Embed video, pictures and music
iii. By targeted by advertisers
Institutional Stuff:
Blogging works differently to conventional media forms.
i. Production and exhibition is controlled (up to a point) by the audience, it is a highly personalised service that is dictated by the consumer.
Relevant media texts:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=547875275&highlight
Blogger.com
Key Concepts. Blogging is a good example of:
Personalisation – You can personalise you blog and comment on a number of things
Convergence – music, video and diary keeping
Interactivity-you can interact with the website, and other people
Globalisation-communicate anywhere in the world and with anyone
Wednesday, 14 March 2007
Happy Feet Web site deconstruction
Happy Feet Web site deconstruction
Introduces the characters
o Makes you feel like you know them
o They are animated, and dance and say things
o You can explore them and find out about each one, both the actors and the characters
o They talk/say clips from the film-+interaction
o Play games with them
o Can browse through different pictures, from film, and extras
Theme
o Animated- Antarctic
o It is snowing,
o Between windows the screen flies over different landscapes/areas from the film
o Mini music player plays soundtracks
o Games are penguin themed
o Links are covered in snow
o Wind noises
o Antarctic sound effects
Promotions/marketing
o Links to buy soundtrack
o Release dates for DVD and trailer for film
o Pre-order DVD
o Info about the dvd’s special features
o Listen to soundtrack
o Download
Wallpapers
Pictures
Posters
Trading cards
Buddy icons
Cards
Books
Email footers
o You can register- allows you to access more special features e.g. synopsis and get free trading cards
Hooks audience in by
o Appearing to be linear with clear links
o Actually non-linear
Links to different games on each page
Many links to other promotional sites and pages
Vast amount of content
o Wide variety of features that attracts different audience groups (including very cool 17 year old girlies)
o Registering-allows them to contact and remind audience about the film
Overall the website works by familiarising and drawing the adience into the characters and narrative. It markets the film, and creates narrative enigma because the audience want to watch the film in order to make complete sense of what they see.
Tuesday, 13 March 2007
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