Televisions have improved rapidly over time. The most significant change over the past few decades has been the improvement of displays, improving the color palette. Since then, they have become thinner, bigger and brighter. There are many new features on the horizon for televisions. However, there are also a few factors that could cause them to disappear.
MicroLEDs
OLED displays are considered the pinnacle of television displays. While they provide an incredibly vivid experience, they do have a few drawbacks. In time, microLEDs will probably take their place. They are a combination of OLED and QLED screens that offer greater contrast as well as expert color management. They are said to be at least four times brighter than their counterparts. Unfortunately, they will be more expensive, and it will be a long time before they are available.
QD-OLED
If you guessed from the name, this is a hybrid of QLED and OLED screens. The technology will use quantum dot technology of the former and light emitting diodes of the latter.
The technology will be on the market before micro LEDs become more affordable. Samsung is currently working on such a project, which is rumored to cost $11 billion.
Cable packages
To get access to channels, you’ll have to buy a package that includes them. This can limit your viewing options. Cable networks have begun to abandon this system, so packages will soon go out of business.
In the end, cable television is dying. Most people use TV to access cable TV, so as it shrinks, the need for TVs decreases. People have become more aware that they are paying a lot and getting little in return. This phenomenon has been called “cord cutting.” Streaming services have taken control, as we discuss below.
Threats to The Television
Virtual Reality
VR could lead to the downfall of the television as we know it. The tech is highly portable and far more advanced. Virtual reality is most commonly used for gaming, but you can also watch movies using the headsets. Over time, the tech will keep getting better and their popularity will rise, leading to users abandoning TVs.
Standalone headsets are dominating the market. You just slip them on, sit back and enjoy whatever you’re watching. However, ones specifically for the mobiles and the computer were the norm. You’ve probably heard of the Google Cardboard before. It’s a great choice that costs below $50. As time goes on, VR keeps adjusting. You can view AR content on them as well.
We touched on streaming services below. You can use them along with virtual reality gear. Netflix is compatible with units like the Google Daydream.
Streaming services
The Internet is perhaps most inferior to television. As mentioned, you no longer have to rely on cable television. Instead, you can subscribe to a streaming service and use it on multiple devices. Although you can watch Netflix, Hulu or Disney+ on your TV, you will need a smart TV. They are not portable, whereas phones, tablets and laptops are.
Streaming services have become extremely popular because of their desire to capture the market. Leading services specialize content specifically for countries and customs. They also produce their own shows that you will never find on cable.
Youtube
YouTube is another threat to television. Its content is more diverse than what you would find by flipping through channels.
YouTube not only competes with TV and cable, but also goes head-to-head with giants like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. It uses algorithms to show users a wide range of content based on the user’s interests.
There is also a service called YouTube Premium. The videos on it do not contain ads like those on Amazon Prime, Hulu, etc.. You can download content and play it in the background.
The service, Premium formerly known as YouTube Red, also includes exclusive shows. Given that you can relax and watch them on your phone, TV doesn’t stand a chance.
Final Thoughts.
The future of these devices will include many changes if they last. Displays will become brighter and more saturated, replaced by OLED displays. Micro-LEDs will be their successor. However, it will take some time for this technology to become more affordable. So until then, QD-LEDs will remain.
Of course, VR will also be a major change. It’s only a matter of time before it’s integrated into TVs. Big companies like Google, Facebook and Microsoft have already started such projects.
Speaking of VR, it could also lead to a TV crash. You can use a VR headset and have a more immersive movie watching experience. The Internet is probably the biggest threat today, as most people prefer to watch movies and videos on handheld devices rather than turning on the TV.
