2013-05-22T09:24:44-04:00 Tara West http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/author/index.php?author=tara-west Copyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc. HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Tara West Good old fashioned elbow grease. tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1518054 2012-05-15T11:29:41-04:00 2012-07-15T05:12:09-04:00

Tara West http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tara-west/
We all know the DVD isn't dead yet; vast numbers of individuals have a disc collection which they still love to watch, and the rest of us still enjoy settling down in front of a rented DVD. This seems likely to continue for some time yet, especially considering most of us are kitted out with DVD technology. However, the future certainly looks bleak. Videotapes, which once dominated the market, are a thing of the past so surely it is inevitable that the DVD will face the same future?

Blu-ray discs, already becoming more and more popular, have been invented for a purpose. They can store 10 times the amount of data than a DVD and with the evolution of high definition video, this is a fundamental feature. For as long as technology continues to develop there will be demand for gadgets that support the advancements and if the mobile phone industry is anything to go by, the newest and most improved technology will always come out on top.

Having said that, Blu-ray players aren't flying off the shelves. Trepidation and mystery surrounding the up-and-coming technology can be partly to blame for this. A lot of consumers who are expected to buy into Blu-ray are the same people who had to be convinced to switch from VHS to DVD no more than 15 years ago, or maybe as little as five years ago, if they were late to jump on the bandwagon. And when technology does the job it is meant to, people will question why it needs updating again. Why should they spend money modernising their own equipment to accommodate the times? But, whether you like it or not, it seems this new system is definitely set to stay, for now anyway, because it is needed. It is needed to uphold the industry developments, and with time these developments will begin to affect every household.

Damning evidence that the landscape is changing is news that Microsoft's new Windows 8 system, released next month, won't play DVDs. Instead consumers will have to pay for the privilege if they should want it. This decision comes after evidence suggests there is a sharp decline in DVD use on computers. The sudden surge in streaming and online purchasing will certainly have played its part in this decline and will undoubtedly affect the future of the DVD industry in its entirety.

On-demand streaming services have taken off in the last few years resulting in a decrease in DVD revenue, and with companies like Netflix and LOVEFiLM battling to be the best, online film services are only going to get better. Relatively cheap monthly payments and unlimited access to films which are downloaded straight to your computer, is a much more appealing film experience for many. Netflix revealed in April that UK consumers have "an unusually high level of understanding and awareness of streaming services" and they are experiencing high subscription numbers because of it.

The strength of the UK online film market means we are slowly killing the retail sector. HMV have had to close numerous stores over the past few years after their prices were undermined by internet downloads and supermarkets, and they have recently started an online service to try to secure sales. Rental giant, Blockbuster have also had to explore new options in a desperate plead for custom by offering reward schemes to soak up gamers left from the GAME fallout. Choices UK on the other hand, failed to keep up to date and have entered administration completely.

However, it seems with each retail misfortune comes further success for internet companies who are ready to take advantage of the current trends and technology. musicMagpie, for example, will offer you money for your unwanted DVD collection. They have clocked on, that for some, their collection of discs are now just sat gathering dust, victims of the internet boom.

Technological progression in the form of online streaming and Blu-ray ultimately means the end of the road is imminent for the DVD. However, several factors will slow the process. Streaming needs to reach a better standard. At the moment even the best streaming services only just reach the same quality as a DVD, most fail to reach even this. Mediocre downloads will discourage online use. Finally, until consumers can afford to change their home technology or are forced to do so in another digital switchover, people will continue to buy and rent DVDs. Retail and rental shops will have to ride out the bumpy road and adapt as well as they can. But in the not so distant future DVDs, and even Blu-ray will eventually reach a dead end.]]> tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2012:/theblog//3.1452702 2012-04-26T13:05:48-04:00 2012-06-26T05:12:01-04:00

Tara West http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tara-west/
So here goes...

What is the smart metering programme?
In March 2011 the Department of Energy and Climate Change unveiled plans for an ambitious programme that would see smart meters installed in every domestic and small business premise in the UK. That's right - all 30 million of them. They hope the rollout of smart meters will lead to a cut in energy consumption and save consumer's money, as well as reduce carbon emissions. Leading energy suppliers will deploy the meters, with fitting costs expected to reach £7bn. Some companies have already got the ball rolling but completion is unlikely to be until 2019.

What is a smart meter?
Smart meters are a new way of measuring the amount of electricity and gas that is used. They will replace the existing models, and because they are able to send electronic meter readings directly to your energy supplier, will bring an end to the annual visit from the gasman. Depending on the model, your new smart meter will send an accurate reading to your energy company via a long range radio or by an in-built SIM card.

How will you, the consumer, benefit?
What does this all mean for you? With smart meters sending an accurate reading to your energy company, estimated readings will be a thing of the past and over or under payment on your bills will cease. Ultimately, you will only be paying for the electricity and gas you use. Not only this, but the smart meters will display how much energy you are using on a real-time basis. Allowing consumers access to this information is expected to encourage more efficent energy consumption, resulting in lower monthly statements for households and businesses. However, if you want to save money you will have to actively engage with the programme and use the data that is available. The device won't save you money or reduce your energy usage - that is up to you. Anaylise the data you are given, and make sensible decisions based on that.

In the long run, consequences of the programme could be the introduction of personalised tariffs based on consumption and lifestyle, and cheaper fuel prices. Once suppliers establish when energy is being used most frequently they will be able to channel energy through the grid accordingly.

Are there any concerns about the programme that will affect you?
Any government legislation or consultation brings controversy and it is no differnet for the smart metering programme. Up until recently, consumers and industry experts had two major concerns that would influence public support. The first was about the exploitation of home and business owners during installtion, and the second was apprehension about privacy and data access. Recent government consultations drive away these concerns and place consumer satisfaction at the heart of its plan. If the new rules come into play then selling during deployment will be prohibited and suppliers wouldn't be allowed access to the smart meter data for anything other than billing.

uSwitch, a free impatial energy comparison site, have voiced their support for the programme and believe the consultations are an important step towards a successful scheme. "DECC's proposal for households to be able to control access to their data will pass the power back into the consumer hands," says Ann Robinson, Director of Consumer Policy.

However, others have trepidations about the longevity of the plan, voicing concerns that people won't have enough time to use the data smartly and instead, smart meters need to be able to automate energy usage according to real time.

Perhaps providing the public with data privacy rights, meaning the opportunity to have a highly effective and efficient energy infrastructure, creating a smaller carbon footprint, is further away then we think.

Worth the time and money?
That is for each individual to decide. The programme is an improvement on the old metering system and is a step or two closer towards a smarter energy system, but it requires engagement from the consumers in order for it to work. Without that, the data is futile and the energy usage will remain as it is.]]>