In an effort to bring in more fans and viewers, many broadcasters have adopted the practice of broadcasting their NASCAR races in high definition. The switch to HD not only allows for a clearer picture to be displayed on television, but it also allows for closer inspection of the cars and drivers by viewers.
Unfortunately, the change to HD has also resulted in a change to the way NASCAR races are called. Gone are the days of yelling at the TV, because the race was difficult to understand. Now, it’s common for fans to ask questions like, “What was that rule?” or “Why did they restart the race?”
To help answer these questions, we can look to the ever-present smartphones scattered around the grandstands to see what tools the electronic gurus have provided to help make sense of NASCAR’s suddenly high-tech racing.
The Internet
If you’ve ever tuned into the world of digital marketing, you may have heard of the term, “Inbound Marketing”. Inbound Marketing is all about attracting, engaging, and delighting customers through digital interactions. While digital marketing tactics like social media marketing may be unfamiliar to some, the concept behind inbound marketing is something that has been planned and implemented by the digital marketing industry for years.
The rise of inbound marketing can be attributed to the increased usage of mobile devices and social media. The combination of the popularity of mobile devices and the increasing usage of social media have created the perfect storm that made inbound marketing a popular choice among marketers.
Smart Phones
It would be an understatement to say that smart phones play a crucial role in our lives these days. With each new generation of phones coming out, technology improves and evolves to better fit our needs and requests. The same can be said for the role of smart phones in our enjoyment of NASCAR racing.
Just take a look at the various apps available for download from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. While it’s great that these apps let us access all the information we could want from anywhere, at any time, the reality is that these apps were made for use while watching TV. So, for the sake of enjoyment, we’re often forced to use these apps while channel surfing or while sitting in the stands. This is something that could be alleviated by having a better TV antenna that can pick up more channels, or by renting a movie instead of deciding to stream one from YouTube.
Terrestrial Antennas
Speaking of streaming, it’s important to note that even though we live in an era when virtually everything is mobile related, this does not mean that everything related to TV is digital. Far from it, in fact. Terrestrial antennas are still commonly used by many to get their TV fix. This is mostly because terrestrial antennas allow for channels to be received in areas where wireless signals don’t reach. So, in some cases, especially outside of large cities and along the Eastern Seaboard, the need for a terrestrial antenna remains. For these areas, having one can prove invaluable. This is because many TV stations in the United States become increasingly less available as you move west. So, if you want to watch the San Francisco Giants play tonight, you’ll most likely have to locate a TV station that is covering the game. This may not seem like a problem, as you may have access to hundreds of channels through your cable or satellite package. But, sometimes, we want to watch a certain channel for the purpose of learning a foreign language or just to enjoy a particular program. In these cases, having a terrestrial antenna can prove quite useful. This is because many TV stations don’t offer those exact channels in a digital format, and even if they did, it would be difficult to find and manage the rights to stream them. So, for the sake of learning a foreign language or finding a show you may not have seen before, a terrestrial antenna can be quite valuable.
DVRs (Digital Video Recorders)
Another great thing about the evolution of technology is the fact that it creates additional options for us as consumers. While many people may prefer to watch live TV, the fact that most outlets today offer videos online or through apps makes waiting for the next episode of a show more convenient. It’s no secret that many people rely on these online platforms to discover new shows and enjoy popular ones again and again.
This is why many people choose to use a digital video recorder. A DVR lets you record TV shows and then watch them at your convenience. You can download the apps for your TV or phone, set up automatic recordings, and then just forget about it. When you want to watch a show, you simply hit play and enjoy.
Unfortunately, not all TV stations make it easy to find and record shows when you want. Some show their episodes online only or they require you to call in advance to set up an appointment to record a show. Others may not even have the channel available at all. The convenience of a DVR comes with a drawback, as much as it may seem like magic, it still requires you to consciously think about using it. This is why we often find ourselves wondering, “What does Ism Speedway stand for?” even after a lengthy race has ended.
Saved Shows
Saved shows are also quite useful when it comes to learning a language or finding a show you may not have seen before. While many students of a foreign language rely on immersion programs and expensive classroom courses to learn a new language, you can gain a similar experience by watching TV shows in a foreign language with subtitles. This is something that can be very helpful to those who want to learn a new language while retaining the ability to retain context. Watching TV shows in a foreign language with subtitles is a great way to supplement your learning process and become more fluent. While this may be difficult to do if you don’t know the language, it can also be a fun way to learn.
On the other hand, some people like to use saved shows to see what was popular a few seasons or even years ago. It’s very unlikely that a show will remain popular throughout multiple seasons, but there are times when a show that you loved as a child or a teen will come back as something new and appealing. In these cases, it may be worth exploring the possibility of downloading older seasons of a show.
In our modern world, technology plays a crucial role in our lives. From the way we communicate online to how we access content, these products and devices shape our lives. While we may still depend on many of these products to get our daily tasks done, it’s also important to remember that they were not meant to be used this way. This is why we have TV shows that are constantly evolving with the times and technologies so that they can remain relevant to those who watch them while also appealing to those who made them. So, while many of these products and services may have started out as entertainment, we must also respect and appreciate the fact that they changed the way we find, consume, and experience content. Thanks to these tools, it’s easier than ever to learn about and enjoy NASCAR, even when the action is not happening live.