Trends (or, How I Stopped Worrying and Learned To Love Stupid Stuff)

What's becoming of our society? I mean, why is it that so many people feel clueless when it comes to knowing where and when to take the big leap onto and off of certain bandwagons? People look at the big boons of the technological age and say, "I just wish I knew that was going to hit big. I'd have invested in it!"

Well, your days of wondering are over.

Now, I'm not a financial counselor. I'm not an investment consultant of any kind, but I can spot what the next big trends are going to be. I say this even though the Beanie Baby and the Tickle Me Elmo waves caught me off guard... yeah, I'm not Kreskin, but I can see where the wave is heading and I'll give the reasons why.

1) HDTV - High Definition Television. The FCC has approved the new standard to be put in place, and broadcasters are gearing up to begin broadcasting. This one will hit simply out of the changing of the guard. The old sets will need converters to see the picture, and even then, the experience will not be the same. The new format is going to take the movie theater experience out of the box office and put it in your living room. It will also allow up to five channels to broadcast on one station. All of this with a clearer picture than current sets have. BIG difference. After the broadcasts start, it will only be a matter of time until everyone will have one. Whether it be need to keep up with the trend or the old set burning out and needing a replacement.

2) DVD - Digital Video Discs. Like laser discs, only the size of CD's. This will take off simply because of cross platform support. The DVD format will allow a movie to be viewed on your laptop or on your HDTV. Don't think that needs more of an explaination.

3) Satellite dishes. If you have one, it will need to be upgraded. If you don't, it will be worth waiting for. Again, we get back to HDTV. The satellite dishes are not equipped to handle recieving HDTV signals yet. This means new software upgrades for the recievers, or possible a hardware upgrade. The alternative, High Capacity Cable Systems. These are also an option. Why are these going to be the next big thing as well? Simple. Communication. The newer systems will have more channel capability, clearer signals, and some will even offer datalinks to allow high speed internet connection.

These are the big three at this moment, so if you're planning on watching trends, start gearing up. Of these three, only DVD is currently available, but it won't hit big until HDTV hits. Then sit back and watch the waves as competition drives down prices (slowly at first, but it will happen.)

Watch the headlines. There just may be gold in them there hills...

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