The big three in entertainment at the turn of the 21st century were television, radio, and cinema. The cinema was ahead of the pack at the time in terms of visual and audio quality, but the situation has changed drastically 25 years later. Cinema and television are now rated side by side, while radio has been left behind.
Television catching up to film in terms of quality can be attributed to technological advancements in display and audio. These technologies have helped blur the line between the film and television show experience. Here is a look at the technological breakthroughs that have played a role in shaping modern entertainment.
The Evolution of Display Technology
Television has come a long way in recent years. Modern-day TV sets now have 4K and 8K resolutions with a high level of clarity that was once only possible in IMAX theaters. Features such as OLED and QLED panels make them even more impressive, allowing viewers to see intricate and subtle details.
The display evolution also involves the introduction of High Dynamic Range (HDR). This technology has redefined the color and contrast of TV screens, allowing for richer blacks and more vivid colors. One can even compare these qualities to the human eye, making scenes from our favourite TV show appear more lifelike.
Many of these features have also been introduced to our mobile phones and laptops. These days, plenty of people watch movies and engage in other experiences on these devices, especially during work commutes and leisure time. Examples include people who live stream football matches on sites like Sky Sports or play live casino games on Royal Panda Canada.
The truth is that many people prefer to watch movies at home because of the comfort it provides, and this is where technologies like IMAX come in. Cinemas have had to upgrade because TVs were beginning to compete with them, but they now offer something TVs cannot replicate. The full cinematic experience still requires specialized theater technology despite all the improvements in home entertainment.
Audio Innovations
Many people dismiss the importance of sound quality. The visuals may be what primarily attract audiences, but we should never rule out what good audio can do for our film experience.
Audio technology has made significant strides, and this can be seen with formats like Spatial Audio. This is a three-dimensional sound system that draws you into your screen. An example is Dolby Atmos, a surround sound technology that lets sound designers place sounds anywhere in a room, even above you. This mimics how we hear sounds in the real world. Platforms such as Amazon Prime have integrated the Spatial Audio system.
Video games and virtual reality experiences have developed with these sound qualities. Everything becomes more realistic with better audio!
Audio innovations would be impossible without advancements in speaker systems and soundbars. Home theater systems are being designed to be compatible with modern audio technologies. This allows the recreation of a cinematic experience with clearer and more precise audio.
On the other hand, soundbars are designed with speakers that fire upward to bounce sound off the ceiling. This recreates the overhead effects of Dolby Atmos without complex installations.
Blurring the Boundaries Between Film and Television
The quality of TV shows produced today can be attributed to the aforementioned technologies. The content being produced by streaming services is very high in quality, rivaling movies airing in cinemas.
These shows are tagged “cinematic television,” and many of them have a scope and budget similar to blockbusters. Famous examples include Stranger Things, The Mandalorian, and The Crown. They have high production values, which is something that was once reserved for the big screen.
The experience of modern-day TV shows has caused a shift in audience expectations. Viewers are now happy to pay subscription fees and enjoy premium content on their TV sets. This move has raised the bar of television productions to rival cinematic films.
Impact on the Industry and Future Trends
This convergence is having an impact on the entertainment industry. Filmmakers and TV producers must now optimize content for diverse platforms and devices. Distribution models are also changing as streaming services grow, challenging theaters to provide better experiences.
Looking ahead, emerging technologies such as VR and sound enhancement promise to further transform entertainment. For example, VR could see viewers step inside the narrative. This will further blur the divide between film, television, and interactive entertainment.
As these technologies advance, the boundaries between traditional cinema and home viewing will likely dissolve entirely, ushering in a new era.
Main image Photo by cottonbro studio.
