The Future of Home Entertainment: Trends and Predictions in Satellite TV

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Our beloved TV; what can we expect to see in the future? Well that depends as technology continues to get better and consumer preferences shift. But satellite TV providers have the greatest incentive to be better. It’s no secret that traditional TV’s sharp decline over the last ten years. Here’s what we think the future holds for satellite TV to compete in today’s interconnected world:

Broadcasting In High Definition & 4K

Both high definition and 4K TVs have come down substantially in price. Now satellite TV providers are taking advantage of this by broadcasting much more regularly in HD. 4K is still a work in progress, but both DirecTV and DISH Network have broadcasts in 4K. All you need is a 4K TV and 4K receiver to get started.

Streaming Integration

Streaming isn’t going anywhere forcing all TV providers, not just satellite TV providers to embrace it. Satellite TV providers are embracing this by offering multi-platform access from their DVRs, allowing their subscribers to watch traditional TV, stream and watch on-demand content without having to leave their platform.

DISH Network is leading the way on this one. With a Hopper 3 HD DVR, their customers only need to do one search for what they want. If what the customer is looking for is available in DISH’s on-demand library or any subscribed and signed in streaming services, it’ll be there within one click.

Interactive Features & Apps

Let’s be real; in today’s ultra interconnected world we expect to be able to access our favorite shows on all the devices we own. Which in today’s world means we need an app. An app lets us watch what we want from our smartphones and tablets. Satellite TV needed to do this and has made some decent apps.

DISH Network subscribers can watch on their internet enabled devices with the DISH Anywhere app. They can watch on-demand content on the go and everything from their DVR, available where they are without limitations. DirecTV has their own app too; but there are some limitations. Their subscribers can’t truly watch anything from anywhere due to individual channel restrictions. We anticipate that all restrictions will have to be resolved and removed in the future.

Better Technology

The future of everything, even our TV is better technology through new advancements. Some non-techies are probably groaning at this prediction, but this is a good thing! Better technology means a better viewing experience for everyone. Better viewing quality, reliability and more enhanced features in the future as our love for TV and everything interconnected trends upwards.

DISH Network is leading the way on this one too; they’ve got some pretty awesome tech. Their Hopper 3 DVR is Wi-Fi capable, letting you watch and record on-the-go. They even have a voice remote where you can use your voice to search, change channels and pause your TV.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff Chief editor

Bernard Van Isacker is the Chief Editor of Side-Line Magazine. With a career spanning more than two decades, Van Isacker has established himself as a respected figure in the darkwave scene.

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