TV Still Number One As More People Watch Shows Online

March 31st, 2009

You may have come across certain websites, particularly news sites, which require a subscription to view its content.  With the popularity of watching ones favorite TV shows online really taking off, some currently free websites are beginning to consider a subscription fee as well.  According to this New York Times article, “some television executives are developing a different model in which only subscribers to traditional cable and satellite services would be able to access the full breadth of shows online.”

Hulu, which is a free video website, reportedly saw a 42 percent jump in viewers from January to February of this year. 

But have no fear; television is not going the way of the dinosaur any time soon.  This Ars Technica article reports that a new study from the Nielsen-funded Council for Research Excellence (CRE) found that though online video and mobile devices are growing in popularity, the traditional TV is still the number one choice for the average viewer.

Health IT: Reducing Manila Folders, Improving Patient Care

March 17th, 2009

This article in the LA Times looks into the current state of Health IT in the U.S. When implemented, the use of information technology in doctors’ offices and hospitals improves patient care and reduces costs.  A win-win situation if you ask me. 

As the story reports, Health IT has the ability to “cut medical errors, avoid unnecessary tests and procedures and identify better treatments.” The number of record keeping manila folders decreases, and the efficiency and the quality of patient care increases: “In Hawaii, Kaiser Permanente reported a 26% drop in patient visits after the hospital giant implemented an electronic record system that allows doctors and patients to communicate more easily by telephone or e-mail for routine contacts.”

The federal stimulus package contains incentives for using electronic records and the Department of Health and Human Services is working to create a set of standards for electronic health records by the end of the year.

With Broadband, Sky’s the Limit

March 12th, 2009

An article in Sci-Tech today, “Spreading Wi-Fi Across the Friendly Skies” reports that now the sky is literally the limit when it comes to broadband access.  A company called Aircell is installing Wi-Fi internet service on United, American, Virgin America, and Delta airlines.  The story is an interview with chief executive Jack Blumenstein who explains how they are keeping people connected while they fly the friendly skies. Blumenthal explains that any device that has a Wi-Fi chip will operate just as it does on the ground.

Unfortunately, while airline passengers are now able to experience the benefits of a broadband connection 30,000 feet high, there are still families and business in rural areas across the country without high speed internet access.

Closer to Allocating Broadband Stimulus Funds

March 10th, 2009

Today in D.C., agencies involved in the grant programs of the Broadband Stimulus Fund are holding the first of several public meeting to discuss how the money will be allocated.  The grants totaling $7.2 billion, part of President Obama’s economic stimulus package, are for broadband expansion and related education and training. Agencies within the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture, as well as the FCC, will discuss the process of reviewing and awarding the grants. For more information on this meeting, check out this internetnews.com article.

According to this Broadcasting & Cable article, “Senators Urge FCC, Commerce To Consider Neediest On Broadband,” a bipartisan group of senators sent a letter to the agencies asking to prioritize “underserved” communities when divvying up the money for broadband expansion. Signing on to the letter were Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Mark Begich (D-Alaska), Sam Brownback (R-Kans.), Russ Feingold (D-Wisc.), Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), Mary Landrieu (D-La.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Pat Roberts (R-Kans.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.). 

Though there is still much uncertainty as to how the funds will be dispersed, this is a vital step towards increasing Internet connectivity in the U.S.