The ever changing world of Technology.
We are now just one year away (Feb.2009) from one of the biggest technology changes since the evolution of black and white to color television.
Starting in February of 2009 all television programming will be broadcast in High Definition (HD).
What does this change mean to Americans? Well if you still have an old analogue TV (The TVs with tubes, turning dials, no cable box and/or rabbit ear antennas) you will not be able to receive network television.
For the majority of Americans this change will really mean very little. The greater majority of television viewers use a cable company or a satellite system to watch their favorite programs. As for now as long as you have one of these two systems you should not have any problems receiving the broadcast signal on your TV set no matter how old it may be. The only real difference after this will be the quality of the viewing of TV shows.
The next step is to move up to a High Definition, L.E.D. Plasma or other newer HD technology that will give you a cleaner, crisper and much more defined quality picture.
In over 25 years in the entertainment industry I have gone from Vinyl 78's, 33 1/3, 45’s, 8-Tracks & Cassettes to Compact Discs to MP3 & PCDJ computer software.
My sound system went from gigantic extremely heavy speakers and powerful amps to small lightweight self powered speakers to the BOSE Pas L1B1 sound technology.
My lighting changed from three light poles with huge heavy par cans & over thirty different lights to one small ten foot truss with a couple smaller light weight intelligent and 4 L.E.D. lights.
All this new technology makes our job easier to manage, control, transport and set up/tear down.
Recently I visited a web site of a DJ that I have known for my entire DJ career. He's a great guy and a wonderful entertainer. Unfortunately for him he is still using the exact same sound & light system that he has used for the last 25 to 30 years.
It consists of nothing but 2 and up to 6 light poles with 20 and up to 50 mid size par cans that just blink on and off in one color. Not that this is wrong, but it is very old school, very heavy/awkward and very boring lighting. He uses two huge speakers that sit on the floor (no subs) and very old CD players and mixing technology.
I personally feel that if he upgraded his lighting & sound system to something a little more modern, light weight and that can create an exciting atmosphere that he could be able to increase his rates as well as the number of events he books for him and his employees.
Technology for the DJ world is constantly changing, are you keeping up or falling behind?
Jeff Richards: Party Time Productions