The future of TV as we know it is continuously changing and under threat from the increasing availability of goods and services which improve the experience of watching TV for the audience. Many individual elements are having an effect on the future of TV and these are going to be discussed below.

Streaming Services

Streaming services have changed the game for TV, they include YouTube, HBO, Hulu, Netflix, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime. They typically operate by users paying a monthly subscription fee, but some also offer free services with limited content, and the site then provides the customer with thousands of titles which are regularly updated and can be accessed at any time.

Flexibility

As the world shifts to suit a more flexible working environment with an increasing number of people ditching the traditional 9-5 and increasing home working, the time people spend watching their television is changing. Crowding around the TV between 8 o’clock at night known as ‘prime-time’ is, therefore, less common than before. Streaming services allow viewers to pick what they want to watch, whenever they want unlike the strict streaming schedule of traditional TV.

Binging

Traditional TV shows were released one episode at a time, usually weekly. However, streaming services have taken a different approach releasing all episodes at once allowing users to sit down and enjoy as much of a TV show as they want, instead of being at the mercy of having to wait till a specific time a week for an episode. This has certainly changed the future of TV and has forced traditional platforms to launch full shows in their catalogue accessible through the same box as ‘live’ TV channels.

Personalisation

Most streaming sites give you the option to rate previously viewed content and then they tailor content to you based on your viewing habits, suggesting things you are more likely to enjoy. This makes it easier to find your next show as opposed to the previously boring task of flicking through TV channels hoping to stumble across a show you like. This direct and personal approach will certainly affect the future of TV until they can find a way to have more tailored content for individual users.

Ad-free

Unlike traditional TV where adverts regularly interrupt your viewing, typically halfway through the show, streaming services have very limited ads if any. Some do feature internal ads for their own shows which may take up 30-60 seconds before your show begins, but they are much less intrusive than those found on traditional TV.

Devices

It was originally easier to access streaming platforms through portable devices such as phones and laptops, but there is an increase in devices which connect to the TV such as Amazon Fire Sticks, Google Chromecasts and Apple TVs. Alongside this Smart TVs are becoming more accessible due to their decreasing cost, and it is predicted all televisions will likely be smart TVs within the next 10 years. This is making access to streaming services even more accessible and therefore more likely for consumers to make the switch from traditional TV to streaming services.

How to watch

Much of the future of TV is based around what you watch, but regardless of what you watch, how you watch your TV can have a positive effect on the overall experience. This can include a surround sound system and a wall-mounted TV (TV wall-mounting services are available here).

Conclusion

The increased availability of wall mounting services and quality of electronic equipment such as sound systems is improving the user’s overall viewing experience, and this is being complemented by the availability of streaming services, and other platforms which are posing a threat to traditional television as discussed above.

The future of TV is unknown, many writers have made predictions, some of these include:

1. Decrease in advertisements: Streaming services have highlighted the ability to create a business model with little or no revenue from adverts, which also makes the experience better for the consumer. As this becomes more popular, services trying to compete will have to move to this. 
2. More personalisation: All markets are beginning to explore data analytics which gives insights into consumer behaviour, this can be used to show consumers their actions, or make suggestions for them. This is likely to become more detailed giving a better insight into customers which more companies will begin to use.
3. Technological Advancements: As technology continues to advance, it is likely that this continues to change the way people watch TV. As Virtual Reality devices improve, it is likely these will be used alongside TVs as a viewing platform.