What does the digital revolution consist in?

Answer 1

The term "digital revolution" has been coined by the media but the reality is more of a progression than a revolution.

For almost three decades, content has become available in digital formats, starting with the CD in the early eighties. A few digital television broadcasts were introduced some years later, followed by DVDs, the video equivalent of the CD. Television broadcasts have moved to digital only in several countries but analog is still in wide use around the world.

Add the rise in the use of computers for obtaining and viewing audio and video content and that covers most of the move towards digital media. The "revolution" has been driven by the availability of electronics and computing technology that has allowed us to benefit from the convenience of digital storage, transmission and reception.

There is still a way to go before the move to digital is complete. Some countries are behind others and analog television will remain for some years to come. Radio remains largely analog despite the presence of Sirius satellite radio and DAB terrestrial radio. Both demonstrate that radio can be delivered as a digital service but many listeners are still sticking to the analog FM platforms that have been with us for many years. The benefits of digital radio are not great and the reluctance of the listening public to embrace digital radio shows that we look for clear benefits before signing up to the next step towards the digital age - hardly the stuff of a revolution.