2001 Prentice Hall, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Chapter 19, Online Entertainment
Outline
19.1 Introduction
19.2 Online Entertainment
19.3 Entertainment and Technology
19.4 MP3 and File-Transfer Technology
19.5 Amateur and Independent Artist Opportunities
19.6 Interactive Web TV
19.7 Music and the Web
19.8 Web Radio
19.9 Sports on the Web
19.10 Comedy on the Web
19.11 Online Games
19.12 Online Hollywood
19.12.1 Talent Scouting
19.12.2 Screen Writing
19.12.3 Distribution and Supplies
19.13 Future of Entertainment



2001 Prentice Hall, Inc. All rights reserved.
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19.1 Introduction
The web is changing the way entertainment is
created, purchased and distributed
A convergence of technology will create new
opportunities
File-transfer technology has made distribution
simple and controversial

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Streaming Media
Audio and video that is heard and viewed over the Internet
Video-on-demand
A product of interactive television that allows the viewer to
choose their own programming
Media convergence
The combination of separate forms of media and technology
to form new and greater products
19.1 Introduction
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19.2 Online Entertainment
The Web itself is a form of entertainment
Many online entertainment sites offer streaming
audio, video and related news
Movie trailers, music and books are often released
on the Internet first
Most online entertainment is free
Major studios and record companies recognize the
importance of the Internet for marketing,
advertising and promotions
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19.3 Entertainment and Technology
Set-top box technology
Offers Web interactivity and resources, television video
quality and access to video-on-demand in a single machine
Technology convergence will lead to greater
interactivity and instant access to entertainment
As technology advances so will special effects,
computer graphics and communications
technology
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19.4 MP3 and File-transfer
Technology
MP3
A compressed audio format that allows for the easy transfer
of high quality audio over the Web
File-transfer technology
Makes the transfer of compresses files possible
File transfer technology has recently become
controversial as some believe it is a violation of
copyright
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19.5 Amateur and Independent Artist
Opportunities
The Web gives amateur talent a chance to express
themselves
Graphic designers, artist, dancers, actors and
musicians can all use the Web to introduce their
talent to the World
Many Web sites are designed to help people learn
about starting a career in the entertainment
industry

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19.5 Amateur and Independent Artist
Opportunities
Superhero Roommate is just one of the many original series at Icebox.com.
(Courtesy of Icebox.com.)
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19.6 Interactive Web TV
Interactive Web TV combines television and the
Internet
It will one day be possible to surf a catalog of
hundreds of thousands of programs
3D theater-in-the-round will also be possible
Game shows allow home viewers to compete for
prizes
Individuals will be able to broadcast their own
content
2001 Prentice Hall, Inc. All rights reserved.
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19.7 Music on the Web
Musicians around the world benefit from the Web,
MP3 and file-transfer technology
A number of record companies use the Web to
develop talent and find rising stars
Examples:
Farmclub.com
MP3.com


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19.8 Web Radio
Hundreds of thousands of radio stations are
broadcasting over the Web on a daily basis
After a simple set up, the average person can
begin offering their own radio broadcast
MP3 and high speed Internet make Web radio
possible
Examples:
Radiotower.com
Spinner.com
Yahooradio.com
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19.9 Sports on the Web
Sporting news content providers use the Web to
meet their market
Athletes can showcase their accomplishments on a
personal Web site to draw attention from college
recruiters and scouts
Sporting memorabilia is often sold at auctions
online
Examples:
ESPN.com
Sportingnews.com
MLB.com
2001 Prentice Hall, Inc. All rights reserved.
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19.9 Sports on the Web
WindowsMedia.com allows you to find your favorite radio station
online. (Courtesy of FNX Radio Network and Microsoft Corporation.)
2001 Prentice Hall, Inc. All rights reserved.
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19.10 Comedy on the Web
Humor has always been a major part of Web
communication
Examples:
Laugh.com
Modernhumorist.com
Darwinawards.com
The Onion
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19.10 Comedy on the Web
You never know what to expect at the Onion.com. (Courtesy of Onion, Inc.)
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19.11 Online Games
The Internet allows multiplayer gaming over the
Web
Many online games are offered for free
Examples:
Mplayer.com
Maxis.com
HSX.com
Games.yahoo.com
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19.11 Online Games
The Hollywood Stock Exchange. (Courtesy of Hollywood Stock
Exchange. Copyright 1996-2000. All Rights Reserved.)
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19.12 Online Hollywood
Many film makers have turned to the Web to
release their short films
A few have launched careers through the Web
Movie marketing has found success online
Examples:
AtomFilms
iFilm
Hypnotic.com
IMDB
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19.12 Online Hollywood
The Inside.com home page. (Courtesy of Powerful Media Inc./ Inside.com.)
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19.12.1 Talent Scouting
Opportunity for unknown artists to demonstrate
their talents
Dailies
Days film from a given production
Online talent scouting sites
Casting.com
Moviextras.com

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19.12.2 Screen Writing
Screenwriter
Writer of a screenplay
Must conceptualize the settings and relationships
Give and receive advice and feedback, host chats
and participate in workshops
Screen writing Web sites
Screenwriters.com
Wordplayer.com
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19.12.3 Distribution and Supplies
Internet release of films may change the strategy
of traditional film release
Intellectual property demands a high level of
security
The ability to order first-run films to the home
Simultaneous domestic and international release
dates
Reduction in the cost of printing, distributing and
marketing
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19.13 Future of Entertainment
Increase in technological capabilities
Decrease in the cost of equipment
Increased competition in the entertainment
industry
Increased ability to personalize entertainment for
the consumer
Entertainment delivered to wireless devices
Digital theater-in-the-round