Letter of complaint

To whom it may concern,

I am writing this letter regarding the Apprentice Digital Video Production Producer job advert that has recently been released. The job description for part of a factual programme production team has a variety of discriminating terms that states must be met in order to apply. For example, stating that applicant must have religious views of a Christian. This violates The Equality Act 2010, which states that it is illegal to discriminate against any individual based on their religious beliefs, which is classed as a protected characteristic under the act. In the advertisement, it states that any application can be handed in at the front desk of your Norwich office or sent to the HR of your department HR@liverecruitment.co.uk. However, this does not state that personal information will not be shared, as there is no confidentiality clause. A confidentiality clause is a clause in the contract of employment that states that personal information will not be shared to other companies and employers. This causes the job to lack security. However the section below where it states that you must not apply for any other job of this nature incorporates an exclusivity clause that no two production companies conflict with another and market the same brand, which adds legitimacy to the job advert.

The Equality Act 2010 incorporated previous equality acts of parliament into one single piece of legislation. For example this includes:

- The Equal Pay Act 1970

- Sex Discrimination Act 1975

- Race Relations Act 1976

- Disability Discrimination Act 1995

By incorporating this into one single document, the Equality Act has simplified the extent to which discrimination takes place. This ensures that all individuals including employees and employers are protected under the act.

Another piece of legislation is the Equal Opportunities. This outlines a code of practice of equitable treatment by complying to the The Equality Act. There are many areas in how the individual can be discriminated against, for example direct discrimination. This is where the individual is treated differently from the other staff and in a sense the non-favored one due to a protected characteristic. Indirect discrimination is where a practice or certain task applies to everyone equally, however has a disproportional effect on those who posses a protected characteristic, for example an individual that finds it hard to comply because of their age. This is also included in your job advert where it states you must “below the age of 30 years old” to apply. This is breaching the Employment Equality Regulations on age 2006, by discriminating against someone of an older age to take part in the production.

The Employers Liability Act 1969 ensures that the employers are responsible for the health and safety of their employees while they are in the working environment, also if an employee falls ill due to working in a certain environment, for this to occur there is insurance to cover any claims. The Employee Rights Act 1996, when an employee begins employment the employer must give them a written statement of what the employment entails, with all health and safety information and when the employee begins and ends, this protects the employee from exploitation from and employer. An example from your job advert is the 'hours' section where it declares the hours to be worked 'between 10-45 per week (variable)' this does not state how many hours the individual will be contracted to because it can vary, therefore violating the Employee Rights Act 1996 by not giving clear information. Trade unions are also available to protect workers rights and ensure that they will back up the individual if exploited or their contract is breached by the employer or even by the individual. BECTU, Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematography and Theatre Union is a trade union that supports employees in the media industry. A small sum of money each month is paid and adds up to the protection needed for legal aid. BECTU works for the employee by using the influence to persuade employers to treat and pay their staff fairly, they can stand up for improvements to pay and work conditions of employment, additionally hours, sick pay and job confidentiality.

The representation of your advert creates of a specific ideology and stereotype. For example, you stated that 'You should interview teenagers and other individuals who might be/have been affected by the topic, including female victims and male offenders who will talk candidly to the camera'. This shows the representations of males as being the sexual offenders and the females as always being the victims. This is misleading the audience and therefore the 'factual' side of this is questionable, this is also relating to social concerns and how the media portrays those in the spotlight. This could also create a moral panic, which is a feeling a large group of society expresses against a certain 'type' of individual. It is unrepresentative how the media portrays certain parts of society and if this were to be produced it would be harmful to those that are categorised in the 'dangerous' in society on the basis of how the media has stereotyped them, which manipulates the audience.

There is also legal issues that surround this subject, the regulators exist to enforce the law on broadcasting issues and make sure every broadcast complies with the rules when it comes to the media. The Broadcasting Act 1990 created this and made it law that there must be a regulatory body that enforces this. The act states that 'the rules to be observed with respect to the showing of violence or the inclusion of sounds suggestive of violence including licensed services, particularly when large numbers of children or young people may be expected for viewing. In your job advert it states it is a 'short documentary that can be shown to children at a high school promoting the No Means No campaign', and the brief is to document an issue regarding rape which could be documented in an inappropriate way therefore this would be difficult to show a campaign like this to a high school full of under-age pupils. This could be argued as a breach of The Broadcasting Act 1990 for the protection of those under age against exposing footage, in a high school the ages can range from 11-16 which is a large gap to be showing the same footage that could potentially be psychologically harmful to those who are younger than the age of consent which is 16. The most commonly known regulatory body is Ofcom, they have a code that applies to protecting the under 18's, an example from the code:

“Material that might seriously impair the physical, mental or moral development of people under eighteen must not be broadcast.

This could damage the minds of the underage by painting males in the picture as the only ones who would be involved with an activity as such as this could affect not only how they see the males in their life but how they see males in general. 

 This gives Ofcom the authority to be regulators and to report and carry through any issues relating to a broadcasting issue in which they have the power to.

Intellectual property applies to the job advert as well, 'you should use a popular music soundtrack that will appeal to the target audience'. In much smaller text, you add that 'you will be recompensed up to the value of £20 for he production of the video'. This violates the Copyright Act 1988 that states you cannot reproduce sounds from which are owned by an individual and that you do not have the rights to. Therefore, much of your intentions are directly breaking the law.

I hope you take responsibility for the issues that have been addressed in this letter. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours Sincerely,

Ehren Harris

Careers Handbook

Task 1

1.        I keep track of both my own and my parents finances.

1.1.    I helped my brother with his personal car loan and bank loan. 

1.2.    I do a monthly spread sheet for my parents.

1.3.    I studied accounting for a period of time

2.       Camera use

2.1.    A2 photography

2.2.    Btec media filming

2.3.    Creation of own film destroy recipe

3.       It skills

3.1.    Photoshop skilled

3.2.    Adobe products well learnt

3.3.    Partial coding for websites

4.       Communication

4.1.    Team work

4.2.    Media groups

4.3.    Creative discussions in graphics

5.       Creativity

5.1.    A-level graphics at an A grade

5.2.    A-level photography C grade

5.3.    Sold some pieces of work

Task 2

My name is Ehren Harris I am currently attending East Norfolk Sixth Form College I am studying Graphic design and Btec Creative media (film and tv) both of the courses I need to pass for my university offer at the university of Brighton to study graphic design my offer is for AAC which is 300 ucas points .I hope to leave with Bachelor of Graphic design or if save enough for a masters I will take one.

Task 3

1.       Producer – see job roles blog post.

2.       Editor –see job roles blog post.

3.       Marketing –see job roles blog post

Task 4

National press

The national press advertise jobs in a specialised section of the paper they advertise jobs on a national level and offer a wide selection of job roles.

Trade press

Is s a field of media that deals with a particular section of seller of goods or services. For example Advertising is a field that is covered by a publication known as CAMPAIGN, which is a trade talk for advertising in all its forms - This publication will tell its readers about advertising companies, current adverts statistics and other useful information about the advertising world. Engineering today, is another publication/magazine that deals with all things that are engineered, and also supply information about big events in the engineering field. 

Internet recruiting

 is the act of scouring the Internet to locate both actively searching job seekers and also individuals who are content in their current position (these are called "passive candidates"). It is a field of dramatic growth and constant change that has given birth to a dynamic multibillion dollar industry.

Traditionally, recruiters use large job boards, niche job boards, as well as social and business networking to locate these individuals. The immediate goal of Internet recruiting is to find individuals that a recruiter or company can present to hiring managers for the purpose of employment. Quite often, Internet recruiters have very short-term goals when it comes to recruiting online. The general catalyst that sparks this process is when a new job requisite comes in (called a REQ). The recruiter scans his or her database to see if anyone's resumes match the requirements. If not, they proceed to search on the Internet. An example of this is Indeed.com

Trade fairs

A trade fair (trade show, trade exhibition or expo) is an exhibition organized so that companies in a specific industry can showcase and demonstrate their latest products, service, study activities of rivals and examine recent market trends and opportunities. Trade fairs show jobs and companies can also use them for recruitment I went to the ucas fair which is very similar and offers a chance to talk to unis before you apply for them so you get a sense of what is out there.

Word of mouth

Personal contacts and networking

Internal promotion

Task 5

CV

Task 6

Link to flickr

Task 7

Job roles in the television and film industries

The Job of a Runner

Main job description

A runner is an entry-level position, the most junior role in the production department of a broadcast, film or video company. Runners act as general assistants, working under the direction of the producer and other production staff, to undertake basic tasks that are required to ensure the smooth running of the production process. Runners are also employed in a range of areas. For example, film, television and radio production.

Runners' general responsibilities include:

·        tea making;

·        transporting scripts and hire equipment;

·        taking messages;

·        looking after guests;

·         getting everything in place for shoots.

This role offers the opportunity to gain vital experience and knowledge of the production process, offering valuable networking opportunities, and is often seen as the first step on the ladder for people aspiring to roles in broadcasting media.

Organisation, flexibility and good communication skills are essential skills needed for the runner.

Working conditions and salary

working hours vary according to the needs of the production. These include working long and unsocial hours, including early mornings and late evenings as required.

Working environments also vary, as runners may be based in a studio, production office or on location.

The salary of a runner also greatly depends on the size of the production. This affects the contract that the runner is employed on, as this may be long or short term depending on the production. The general wage can range from £6.50 to £8.00 as a set hourly rate.

Sources

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/runner_broadcasting_film_video_job_description.htm

The job of a Researcher

Main job Description

Researchers work in a variety of sectors within the media industry. These include, radio, TV and film. They organise the majority of the aspects that go into the media production, involving planning and further executing their ideas. A researcher is responsible for following and being aware of the constant changes within the media industry, in order to alter and shape their programmes to suite each environment.

Main responsibilities of a researcher include;

·         Working alongside directors and executives

·         Planning future programmes

·         Writing reports on each programme

Additional information and salary

Salary depends on the company and size of production. On average, researchers are paid £350 to £600, which varies between junior and senior roles. A degree is also required to qualify as a researcher. In addition to this, communication, computing, and researcher skills are also needed to be suitable for the role.

Sources

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/mediaresearcher.aspx

The Job of an Editor

Main job description

Film Editors assemble footage of feature films, television shows, documentaries, and industrials into a seamless end product. They manipulate plot, score, sound, and graphics to refine the overall story into a continuous and enjoyable whole.

The use of digital technology and computer software are key aspects of being a film and TV editor. Editors are responsible for assembling recording raw material into a finished product that's suitable for broadcasting. Editors also work closely with the director to achieve the desired end result by collaborating their ideas. On a general basis, editors work on short-term basis, however, this does also depend on the size of the production.

Additional information and salary

Editors work standard office hours but it will vary depending on the production. This includes shift work if editing studios are booked at night. When there are deadlines to meet, long hours and overtime may be required. A film/video editor position is not typically an entry-level job, starting at a minimum salary wage. Editors starting salaries for those who are employed by a television or post-production studio are in the region of £18,000 to £25,000. With experience as a film or video editor, the salary increases to £20,000 to £35,000. At a senior level, the potential earnings of £37,000 to £70,000 are reached but the higher end of this scale is only available to senior editors working on high-status projects.

Sources

http://www.media-match.com/usa/jobtypes/editor-jobs-402709.php

       http://www.prospects.ac.uk/film_video_editor_salary.htm

The Job of a Director

Main job description

Directors have overall responsibility for the way films or television programmes are made. As a director, creativity, organisational skills and technical knowledge are all needed to manage the whole production process. As directors will also be leading a team of people with very different roles, in this job good communication skills are also required. There are many different routes to getting into this job. Starting out as a 'runner' is one route, or progressing from camera or acting work. Courses in media production could teach some of the skills are needed.

Additional information

working hours on a shoot would often be long and irregular according to the production's needs, and may include evenings and weekends. A weekly salary for a film director starts at £1300, which also depend on the size of the production.

Sources

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/TVorFilmDirector.aspx

The job of a Production Manger

Main job description

A production manager is responsible for the organisation of all aspects of the production. They work over a variety of genres in the industry such as documentaries, entertainment in order to interpret the director’s ideas. There are no specific qualifications to become a production manager, however a degree in a media related subject is desirable. Skills that are needed for this role include

·         Having efficient problem solving skills

·         Having strong financial and budgeting skills

Additional information

Production managers generally work on a freelance basis and have one of the most demanding job roles in the industry. Their working hours can also differ depending on the size of the production and work is often in an office base work environment with studio visits and location meetings.

Sources

https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/tvorfilmproductionmanager.aspx

Job of a Location manager

Main job description

Location managers are responsible for making all the practical arrangements for film, television or photographic shoots taking place outside the studio. Productions are made in a wide range of places and location managers need to research, identify and organise access to appropriate sites.

A location manager's role follows a sequence of activities from pre-planning to the completion stages of a production. Tasks that may be carried out include:

·         Assessing and interpreting scripts or story boards to get an understanding of the location required;

·         Meeting with the director and designer to discuss projects and working to their creative vision;

·         Collating ideas and undertaking research using resources such as the internet, specialist location libraries, local and regional film commissions and agencies.

Additional information

Location managers work on a freelance basis and are paid on contract terms. Work demands are at their highest during the summer and winter but the role of a location manager is considered to be the least demanding job role in the industry. As location managers must be readily available, they work full time hours.

Sources

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/location_manager_job_description.htm

The job of a Production designer

Main job description

Production designers are responsible for the visual concept of a film, television or theatre production. They realise a design style for sets, locations, graphics, props, lighting, camera angles and costumes, while working closely with the director and producer. Once the concept is decided, designers usually appoint and manage an art department, which includes a design and construction team. They often form a strong partnership with a particular director with whom they may work on many productions. Designers tend to specialise in either film, television or theatre, although there may be some overlap. In the theatre, production designers are also called stage or set designers.

Most production designers work as freelancers and so an important part of their work is marketing their skills and experience, making contacts and briefing agents. First tasks usually include clarifying the brief and agreeing a suitable fee and timescale, which is sometimes done by an agent. After this, work activities might then include:

·         reading scripts to identify factors indicating a particular visual style;

·         considering the production brief, which may be written or oral;

·         meeting the producer and director to discuss concepts and production requirements

Additional Information

Production designer is not typically an entry-level position. Those breaking into the field usually start as art department runners, art department assistants or design assistants.  The entry requirements include knowledge of the industry. For example, Theatre and performer design.

The job of a Producer

Main job description

Producers play an integral role in the television, film and video industries. A producer will oversee each project from conception to completion and may also be involved in the marketing and distribution processes. Producers work closely with the directors and other production staff on a shoot. Increasingly, they need to have directing skills as they may be the director and be in charge of all project operations. Producers arrange funding for each project and are responsible for keeping the production within the allocated budget.

Creative input and the level of decision-making varies, as this depends on the client and the brief.

Additional information

Starting salaries for assistant producers may range from around £18,000 to £25,000. With experience, salaries can reach £40,000 to £55,000, and for departmental heads, £60,000 to £80,000 plus benefits. Producers work regular unsocial hours during weekdays and weekends to meet the strict deadlines that are set.

Sources

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/television_film_video_producer_salary.htm

The job of an Executive producer

Main job description

The role of the Executive Producer is to oversee the work of the producer on behalf of the studio, the financiers or the distributors. They will ensure the film is completed on time, within budget, and to agreed artistic and technical standards. An Executive Producer may be a producer who has raised a significant proportion of a film's finance, or who has secured the underlying rights to the project. In major productions, the Executive Producer may be a representative or CEO of the film studio. In smaller companies or independent projects they may be the creator or writer. Typically, Executive Producers are not involved in the technical aspects of the filmmaking process, but have played a crucial financial or creative role in ensuring that the project goes into production. There may be several Executive Producers on a film who may take the lead role in a number of areas, such as development, financing or production. Executive Producers must be excellent negotiators. They need a keen business sense, and an intimate knowledge of all aspects of film production, financing, marketing and distribution.

Additional information

There are no specific qualifications to becoming an Executive Producer in TV. However, a degree in a media-related, drama or specialist subject may be desired. Salary can range from £50, 000 - £90,000, which can increase depending on the size of the production.

Sources

http://www.media-match.com/usa/jobtypes/executive-producer-jobs-405700.php

Job of a Sound assistant

Main job description

Sound Assistants are the third members of the production sound crew and provide general backup and support to the production sound mixer and the boom operator. They are responsible for checking all stock, microphones and batteries and making sure that the sound department runs as smoothly as possible.

On large scale productions, Sound Assistants may be called upon to operate the second boom, recording all off-camera lines of dialogue, i.e., lines spoken by characters who do not appear on screen. Sound Assistants usually work on a freelance basis with the same production sound mixer and boom operator. Most Sound Assistants work on both film and television productions, unless they work with a production sound mixer who works exclusively on feature films. The hours are long and the work often involves long periods working away from home.

Additional information

Salaries vary depending upon the actual role and type of production. In established studio or in television and radio, starting salaries may be in the region of £16,000 to £18,000. With experience this can rise to salaries upward of £30,000. Supplements for unsocial hours may be available. The average working day consists of working a 10 hour day on a fixed term contract.

Sources

http://www.media-match.com/usa/jobtypes/sound-assistant-jobs-402781.php

Technology PPT

Consumer products:
Consumer products involves the use of technology in the home.Their function is to provide a easy and user friendly 

At home any one these days can ;

• purchases a cheap camcorder as they have now become cheap and easily available for consumers to purchases 
• film a piece of footage 
• edit it with free software they are given with there computer or there camera or even a online down load or editing program 
• then share there work online with friends and the public or even display on there home television sharing is key in modern technology 

by having access to cheap programs and tech it has expanded the way we express and are able to communicate ideas to one another it could be a ; photo, video voice message, interactive app , and many more the opportunity for

 self expression of personal work and ideas is so available .


Satellite & Cable

When satellite television first hit the market in the early 1990s, home dishes were expensive metal units that took up a huge chunk of yard space. In these early years, only the most die-hard TV fans would go through all the hassle and expense of putting in their own dish. Satellite TV was a lot harder to get than broadcast and cable TV. now we see a dish on most roof tops as he providers have footed the bill and charged a little fitment fee as dishes become smaller and smaller .The main providers of satellite TV in the UK . 
  
BT Tv

Is a subscription IPTV service offered by BT Group in the United Kingdom, originally launched as BT Vision in December 2006

TalkTalk
Is a UK-based consumer television and video on demand service, operated by the TalkTalk Group. In its current form, it was launched on 3 September 2012 in a partnership with YouView. Its offering is delivered over a BT phone line.

Analogue
Preceding digital television (DTV), all televisions encoded pictures as an analog signal by varying signal voltage and radio frequencies. DTV is fast replacing analog TVs as digital broadcasting enables broadcasters to offer television with movie-quality picture and sound. Analog systems are more commonly known as NTSC systems.

Digital TV
 Is a way of receiving your television signal in a digital format. This allows TV companies to broadcast better quality sound, a higher definition picture and a wider range of channels than ever before. The digital switchover in the UK is already complete. If you feel you were just swept along with the change and have questions, why not check out our handy guide to digital television services? It’s full of useful answers to frequently asked digital TV questions.



Pros 

• More modern digital TV services will also allow you to access the internet via your television set.
• One such advantage is the interactive nature of the service. Digital TV allows users to access further information by entering menus and interacting with their television in ways they had never even dreamed of before. In addition to this, viewers can listen to radio channels via their televisions and even watch archived programs via digital ‘on-demand’ services.
• As well as better quality picture and sound, and more channels, digital television has many other advantages over its analogue predecessor.
  

Cons

• there is only a one con i can see with digital is the ease in which it could be out done by steaming with technological development and the demand for on demand television.

why do we watch TV?

The Thinkbox study, Screen Life: TV in demand, suggests that the live television experience “satisfies human emotional needs that on demand viewing alone can’t”.

The study was based on an analysis of 100 hours of footage from 18 households and a diary study of 662 adults.

The researchers found six main reasons that people watch television: to unwind, for comfort, to connect, for an experience, to escape, or to indulge.

While there is much to be said for trying to understand why people watch television, rather than simply measuring how much they watch, reducing it to these six reasons seems rather simplistic.

                 http://www.thinkbox.tv/events-and-training/2013-events/screen-life-tv-in-demand/

Internet -streaming content 

the internet is a huge source of media and is becoming more and more popular with the ease of access to the internet through many devices.There are many ways the internet can be used to access media i will break it down into the easiest groups its split into which are ;

Legal
There are many providers of online streaming servers which i will discuss payment methods later in the essay Whether you’re thinking of cutting the cord or just want to watch TV on your own schedule instead of the television network’s, there are more legal ways to watch TV online than ever. Even better, many of these legal options are free. Most of these websites will expose you to commercials – someone has to pay for the free TV – but you’ll end up watching commercials if you pay to watch TV the traditional way, anyway.Many of these services are only available in specific countries, such as the USA. Some services are only available in the UK, so even Americans can’t watch everything. 

BBC Iplayer 
BBC iPlayer offers a variety of BBC television shows for free in the UK, including  he popular Doctor Who series. As with other services on this list, international users can also use this serives, too.the iPlayer has the previous 4 weeks television and also online only television which is kept up to date such as series releases online.


YouTube 
YouTube is a common destination for people looking for free TV shows online. You can find lots of free TV shows on YouTube. But let’s be honest – most free TV shows on YouTube are put up by users and not officially sanctioned. However, sometimes television networks put up free TV show episodes on YouTube.


YouTube offers a YouTube TV Shows page where you can watch TV online – watching shows that have been put up on YouTube legitimately. Sometimes TV networks may put up episodes of their own TV shows on their own YouTube channels, as HBO did for a limited time with the first episodes of some of its new series. Selection will vary by country, as with the other services here.

if you want to upload on to this services you can even make money if you get enough veiws 

Here is the schedule payout of YouTube: 

$ 0.0033/1 view 
$ 3/1,000 view 
$33/ 10,000 views 
$330/ 100,000 views 
$3300/ 1,000,000 views 

Illegal

streaming allows users to view content whenever they like, without having to download and store the illegal file.As a result, streaming sites are rapidly growing in popularity.But there are grey areas. Even the legal owners of copyright material acknowledge that not all users are aware they are breaking the law.

Interactive 

• There are many ways in which the goods are interactive such as turning the volume up on your PC to changing the channel with the remote on your TV.interactive could be considered in anyway in which you manipulate content on the device or viewing platform .

services provide pause and rewind on live television which has produced numerous funny occasions for myself .the providers that currently allow this to my knowledge are sky+ and virgin tevo .online websites allow more freedom as you can fast forward the program or content to where you want you can also leave it and come back to it later whilst simultaneously watching something else . 

the cons of this services are these products are expensive subscriptions and fitment fees that come with them they are also faults in corruption of the programs and the programming that deletes programs .

HD (high definition)

3D

3D in the film and media industry 3D films like Avatar trick your brain, bringing images projected onto a flat cinema screen to life in full three dimensional glory.If you look at an object near you and close your left and right eyes in turn, you’ll see that each has a slightly different view of the world. Your left eye sees a bit more of the left side of the object, and your right eye sees a bit more of its right side. Your brain fuses the two images together allowing you to see in three dimensions. This is known as stereoscopic vision.

3D has been a buzzword in the technology industry for years. Ever since Avatar brought 3D cinema back into the public eye in 2009, there's been a resurgence of interest in 3D technologies.we're surrounded by 3D TVs (with and without glasses), 3D computer monitors, 3D video games, portable 3D games consoles like the Nintendo 3DS, 3D Blu-rays, 3D web streaming and even 3D sound. It seems like most of the major electronics companies are jumping on the 3D bandwagon.

 Pay per view

Pay per view provides a service by which a television audience can purchase events to view via private telecast. The broadcaster shows the event at the same time to everyone ordering it (as opposed to video-on-demand systems, which allow viewers to see recorded broadcasts at any time).  For example Sky sports use this for important sporting events. This offers a service where a television audience can purchase events to view via private telecast which is not shown for free.

This function is used so that audiences can pay for private broadcast to be viewed that wouldn’t normally been show on normal TV. This is done by using on screens guides (e.g. pressing the red button on SKY) or calling up the service provider. This is usually used for programmes such as sporting events like huge boxing matches pay per view has changed the way we view TV as it has given viewers control of what they watch and also the ability to enjoy first-run movies and special events at a time that is convenient for them. Also, unlike renting a movie from a video store, there is no movie to return and you pay no late fees. Producers can make more money form offering services to one off customers who do not have a subscription to their channel.

Digital recorders

A digital video recorder sometimes referred to by the “merchandising term personal video recorder is a consumer electronics device or application software that records video in a digital format to a disk drive, USB flash drive, SD memory card or other local or networked mass storage device.”(Google 13/02/13) The term includes set-top boxes with direct to disk recording facility, portable media players with recording, recorders as camcorders that record onto Secure Digital memory cards and software for personal computers which enables video capture and playback to and from a hard disk drive. The digital recorder is an important development in the television technology as it gives viewers more control and opportunities than the standard, older television remote control. Before digital recorders were developed many viewers had to use recording equipment such as VCRs where they could record their favourite television programs and films. The advantages of using a digital recorder is that generates better quality pictures than other recording devices such as a VCR, It is also much easier to use. Since the invention of digital recorders viewers have been able to pause, rewind and even record their favourite programs so they do not miss anything they are watching. Producers can gain more profit from digital recording as their audiences can record then watch their programs if there is a clash between two TV SHOWS. For examples in the weekend viewers that are watching the XFACTOR can still record Strictly Come Dancing and watch it later and it still register on the viewing record.

On demand viewing

On-demand viewing is essentially the ability to select from a library of stored content whenever viewers want and it is therefore completely controlled by the viewer and is not in any way dictated by the TV programme schedule for example, if you want to view on-demand content on your main TV set, you can decide what to choose. On-demand viewing (via streaming or downloading) is clearly a major part of most people's web behaviour, whether legal viewing from BBC iplayer for example, or illegal viewing web site that offer file shares. 40D is an on demand service which offers on demand viewing across different branches of channel 4 and viewers can view missed programs or even programs that was shown years ago. On demand viewing has definitely made it easier for viewers to view their missed programs. Producer gain profit on demand services through advertisement which viewers cannot skip and it generates different sponsorship deals for them.