Chikka TV and Convergence
Aug. 14, 2003
Convergence is defined as the coming together of two or more things or events. In the digital world, this technically includes the Internet, TV, print and other broadcast media.
But how can you benefit from convergence?
For one, having Inquirer online (Inq7.net) makes it easy for far-flung areas with Internet access to read the newspaper. Convergence also allows listeners in the US and elsewhere to listen to dzBB’s Internet webcasts. Inquirer and dzBB reach a far larger audience than their non-converged competitors. Their advertisers are getting more returns and mileage for each advertising buck. It enables these media organizations to operate on a worldwide scale -- without massive capital outlays.
In a recent PISO (Philippine Internet Service Organization) meeting, I met with Abe Cordero, deployment manager for Chikka TV. He talked about how they could send TXT messages over to a cable TV channel. I immediately arranged for a demonstration of Chikka TV in our region. So, a few days ago, amid pouring rain, flooded streets and bed-weather, Abe Cordero, Jigger and Riel came by Star Plaza Hotel in Dagupan to do exactly that.
The SMS TXT travels from Globe or Smart to Chikka, then onto the cable TV operator’s computer via the Internet. Once it reaches the computer, the screen output is then broadcast over a select channel on cable TV. People can now look at TXT messages on their cable channel!
I suggested that we enhance Chikka TV with audio content from our Internet webcasts. Fortunately for this experiment, I’ve already discussed with Rey Santos of Crossover FM and got their approval to use their content. We picked up the feed from www.eradioportal.com, and played it across Chikka TV on cable TV!
The audience, composed mostly of cable TV operators and select media people, were witnesses to the unfolding of the first convergence of cable TV, TXT SMS, Internet and FM Radio. The audience was sending TXT messages and was amazed to see the same messages scrolling up the screen, while they were simultaneously being broadcast at Crossover FM feed.
What benefits can this bring? It depends on your background and experience.
One reporter suggested using this as a medium to bring local governments closer to the people. When press conferences are held, the citizens of a town could TXT in their comments, opinions, and suggestions to the ChikkaTV system. It is easier to read these messages than on a cell phone. A reporter could pick up on these messages and query the local chief executive about it.
Another idea discussed was that of putting up a large screen in public places like the plaza or public market, where concerned citizens could TXT in the latest market prices.
From a cable TV operator's point of view, Chikka TV could be used as a community bulletin board of sorts. Considering that their cable reaches more households that don’t have telephone lines, a Chikka TV channel could be used to hold TXT in messages from relatives here and abroad.
For FM stations in Manila , like Crossover, having your signal propagated across Cable TV means that you extend your reach up to the level of each barangay. For Cable TV operators, it means additional content that you don’t have to pay for.
The education sector—DepEd, CHED and even TESDA—could develop a curriculum that runs on community channels and allow questions and answers to be sent via TXT.
I feel that as the technology matures, and as more and more people wake up to the possibilities of converged systems, more applications will pop up. Share your ideas and let me know what you think.—Wilson Chua
Source: Inq7.net
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