As we all know, the internet has played a huge role when it comes to improving nearly all the aspects of the home atmosphere, including entertainment. We’ve witnessed numerous transformations in a broad array of home entertainment-based industries through innovations in technology. This has altered how we view, consume, and receive entertainment.
In the past, people would mainly relish entertainment live and in real-time shows, and if you look back, it was quite limited. Besides the handful of TV and radio channels, there was very little that you could do. Thankfully with technology came cable and satellite TV, and everything changed, but that was just a tip of the iceberg of what was coming.
After mainstream adoption of the internet, you can now enjoy unlimited access to a massive array of entertainment options that you can access from the comfort of your couch at home. There’s a host of viewing and listening options, and if you like, you can also play video slots online for free to take the edge off after a long working day.
Let’s take a closer look at how the internet has transformed the world of home entertainment by zooming in on the areas where we’ve experienced the biggest impact.
- Gaming
The internet has massively changed how we play games today. About two decades ago, the only way you could play games at home was by buying a dedicated console, and if not, you had to go to the nearest gaming arcade to get your fix. Computer games were also popular but they were nowhere near as immersive as the console counterparts until the console games started being rolled out for PCs. Moreover, to play with friends, you had to invite them over at home for a couple of hours or plan to go to a gaming arcade so that you can enjoy playing your favorite games together
Nowadays, even though consoles are exceptionally popular, you don’t really have to have a console to play your favorite games. You can play a lot of games online without having to install any software on your computer or mobile device, thanks to the internet. Better yet, the internet currently enables the wildly popular online multiplayer gaming where you can team up with your friends or play against them – you no longer have to invite them just to play games or leave your home.
The same also goes for casino gaming. Unless you want to visit a casino for the thrill of it, you can catch up with your best games as long as you have a high-speed internet connection and a gaming device such as a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
- Movies & TV Shows
If you’ve gone to the cinema, you know how expensive it can get to watch a movie, especially if you’re a group. Moreover, buying or renting physical movie tapes and DVDs is no longer fashionable. Thanks to the internet, you can now sit at home and watch your favorite movie online. You can just sit back, choose one of the many streaming services that are available today, and you’re good to go. Provided you have a good internet connection, you'll enjoy a wide range of movies and TV shows.
Additionally, you don’t have to record a live episode of the shows you enjoy most if you don’t have time to watch it when it airs. Through streaming services, all the aired episodes will be available for you on-demand!
- Reading
For those who love reading, the internet has made things so much easier. If you’d like to settle down with the newest edition of your magazine and newspaper subscriptions or a new novel from your fav author, having the internet means you won’t think about going to the department store or wait for the mailman. All these reading options are accessible online sometimes for free, and the premium e-versions are usually much cheaper than their paperback counterparts.
- Music
iTunes, Deezer, Spotify, Tidal, and Amazon Music are all household names today if the subject of music pops up. These music streaming services mean that buying CDs and LPs is history unless you just want to do it for the novelty. Furthermore, irrespective of the kind of music you’re hooked on, the music streaming platforms make it easier for you to create playlists from hundreds of different artists in a few clicks.
Indeed, the internet has revolutionized home entertainment. And apart from entertainment alone, this internet has also transformed numerous other aspects of our lives, such as how we travel, how we date, how we socialize, and even how we shop. The list is endless. Where would we be without the almighty internet?