The video entertainment industry is currently in the throes of major changes brought about by rapid and disruptive changes in technology as well as shifting economic forces and business models. These changes, in turn, are being shaped by public policy and regulations that may no longer be appropriate in the evolving broadband digital world. This interdisciplinary course focuses on not only the changes in each of these three areas – technology, business and public policy – but, uniquely, on the interactions among them.

Examines the issues that have been created by the shift from analog to digital technologies, the shift from narrowband/wideband systems to broadband systems, and the shift to converged networks (i.e. networks able to convey voice, data, image, and video traffic on a common platform) based upon packet switching and Internet protocol (IP) suite.

The course will begin with a brief introduction to television through each of the three lenses noted above: technology, economics/business models, and public policy. With that introductory background, each of the three, more traditional forms of video distribution will be examined; namely over-the-air (OTA) broadcast television, cable television and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) television. This will be done through the same three lenses. The course will then shift to an examination of the issues that have been created by the shift from analog to digital technologies, the shift from narrowband/wideband systems to broadband systems, and the shift to converged based upon packet switching and Internet Protocol (IP) suite. During the course, students will be given several assignments to develop and discuss in class several technology, economics/business and policy issues related to the video industry. Each student will also be expected to research, write and present a paper on a suitable interdisciplinary topic involving video entertainment systems and technology.

• Engage in real world discussions of major public policy controversies and current regulatory debates with government, telecommunications, and media veterans Dale Hatfield (U.S. Dept of Commerce and FCC); Dick Green (ABC, CBS, CableLabs); and Preston Padden (Fox, Disney)
• Enjoy a rigorous review of video technology and engineering including modern convergence of formerly separately "siloed" video distribution platforms
• Survey U.S. laws and regulations governing video distribution
• Explore business relationships and issues in the video industry

Students successfully completing this course should have a much greater appreciation of the rapid changes in the technology, economic, and public policy aspects of the entertainment video industry and, uniquely, the complex interactions among these aspects that are shaping the future of this critical sector of the economy. The resulting understanding should enhance employment or promotion opportunities and enhance the student’s ability to participate in the public discourse regarding the future of the electronic media.

TLEN 5210 (Principles of Telecommunications Policy) or instructor consent.

Required

If an education officer (EO) is indicated as “required” above, you will need an EO to proctor exams for the course. An EO cannot be a student's relative, friend, coworker, or someone who works for the student. The EO address must be a business address. Provide, change, or update your EO information by completing the EO Information Update form. To ensure we have the most updated EO information, you must provide the EO information every semester – even if it is the same EO.

For those able to come to campus, CAETE provides free proctoring services. Contact us at 303-492-6331 or caete@colorado.edu to schedule an exam appointment.

If you have any questions regarding who qualifies to be an EO, see EO information or contact CAETE.

Broadband Web and email access required.