As we move further and further into the future, digital technology becomes more apparent and sophisticated. New media forms are being developed as we speak. My essay will be dedicated to two forms of new media: video/computer games, and interactive DVDs. I will analyse aspects of both, and discuss what makes them 'new media'. My next paragraph will be dedicated to the 'interactive DVD', followed by 'video/computer games'. After I have discussed the two media forms in detail, I will have a few paragraphs comparing them by discussing similarities and differences.
The interactivity of the DVD is noticeable as soon as the DVD disc is loaded. Unlike video cassettes we are not presented with several movie trailers and the opening credits. What DVD displays, is an interactive menu. A menu that prompts the user to perform and command. These menus normally contain many sub menus as well. DVD movies most commonly feature the following main options: 'Play Movie', 'Chapter/Scene Selection', 'Set-Up', and 'Special/Bonus Feature'. All of these options play a large part in this new media. In my next few paragraphs I will explain them in more detail.
The 'Play Movie' option is self-explanatory. The 'Chapter/Scene Selection' option is also self-explanatory, but allows for a lot more discussion. This option leads to the idea of 'time-shifting'. Users are able to view any particular scene without the need to 'fast-forward' or 'rewind' tape. The chapters/scenes are normally divided into 10-15 minute intervals and can easily be skipped through (while viewing the movie) with the DVD player's remote control. Because the user can practically view whatever he/she wants in seconds, the viewer is able to fully examine every scene in detail
Although to many, this seems like a very useful, exciting idea, Wheeler Dixon doesn...