By Michael Auerbach, Editor in Chief
Did you buy one of those 3D high definition televisions?
Are you happy with it? Do you use it a lot? Are you getting tired of putting the glasses on every time you want to watch a movie? Are you frustrated there really isn’t much 3D content on cable TV or streaming services? Would you like to get rid of it – but feel kind of tied to it because you spent so much money on it?
You’re not alone. I have a Toshiba HD-DVD player sitting in my basement with nothing to play on it. I knew I shouldn’t have bet against Sony’s Blu-Ray technology in this format war. No way were they going to lose again like they did when VHS became the preferred format over their Betamax technology.
But, at least you took the chance! You jumped in and said, “That’s cool! I want one! I’m not going to wait, and hem and haw, about what might come next, or what might be better.”
Purchasing consumer electronics is a bit like purchasing medical equipment. But the stakes are much higher.
Recently, I spent a lot of time visiting a relative in the hospital, and noticed how everyone – nurses, aids, techs, etc., were all pushing around what amounted to desktop computers on wheels. Used for data entry, all had a handheld scanner attached, and various other appendages to verify, track and record all manner of patient interactions.
I asked a nurse how she felt about using the portable stations, and she gave a quick eye roll. She appreciated the technology for what it was – but felt tied to it, and not very happy to have to push it around all day. “Would an iPad or tablet be better?” I asked. She nodded – and off she went pushing her desktop on wheels to the next patient.
Imagine if you were the one who bought into that technology a few years ago? There were probably hundreds of these platforms roaming the halls of the hospital. Probably purchased before iPads and other tablets became so mainstream, so capable of doing practically everything a computer can do, especially in situations where portability and ease of use are paramount – like in a hospital setting.
But, just like you with your 3D TV, or me with my HD-DVD player, someone thought it was time to jump in and get the latest technology – and now they are stuck with it – a ball and chain of technology.
Did I make you feel a little better about your TV purchase? Excuse me for a few hours as I go and binge watch House of Cards on Netflix streaming through my Blu-Ray capable PS3.