Apple was recognized by the American Film Institute (AFI) for its contributions to the entertainment industry in 2005, according to Podcasting News. The AFI’s Moments of Significance notes important events that have had a major impact on the world of moving images, and this year the emergence of on-demand video was marked as a significant event.
Apple’s contribution to on-demand video was specifically mentioned: “Apple Computer introduced a new video iPod in concert with a content distribution deal with ABC that made several popular shows available for download. Later, NBC Universal announced a deal to deliver more than 300 episodes from prime time, cable, late-night and classic TV shows via iPod.”
Although the advent of on-demand video, and video capable iPods make it easy for anyone to view shows when and where they want, the AFI sees a downside. Viewing programs is now becoming a more individualized and isolated experience, stripping away some of the social interaction it refers to as the “watercooler phenomena.”
The other events that the AFI noted as a part of on-demand video include Twentieth Century Fox’s one-minute mini episodes of the TV series, 24, formatted specifically for cell phones, and Time Warner/AOL’s In2TV network that offers thousands of classic TV shows via the Internet.