The digital video revolution: Its human and social impact
Video streaming is revolutionising traditional film, TV and broadcast industries. YouTube, BBC IPlayer, Amazon Video, Netflix, and others have changed the patterns of video creation, distribution and consumption. More than 70% of all internet traffic is now video. Linden will give a non-technical explanation of what digital video really is, how it works, and how the evolution from physical broadcast to digital streaming has led to the clash of two major industries. She’ll also talk about broader social implications of these changes, from the new role of citizen journalists, to international debates about net neutrality.

Finally, she will talk about being a woman at the intersection of technology and film – two industries that are grappling with diversity and inclusiveness. She will talk about how the lack of diversity can lead to technology that perpetuates inequality, rather than addresses it.

Linden Vongsathorn is a Software Development Manager at Amazon, working on their Video streaming systems. She graduated from University of Oxford (St Cross) in 2010 with an MSc in Sociology, and has a BA in Computer Science from Dartmouth College, USA. She has worked as a game designer and artist, and as a software developer on the HoloLens mixed reality headset, the launch of the Xbox One games console, and in broadcast TV. She currently leads a team responsible for instant video playback on the Amazon Video app. She has published papers in Human-Computer Interaction and Information Security, and has served on jury panels for the BAFTA Awards (Best British Game, Best Debut Game). Linden also actively works to increase the number of women and racial minorities in STEM fields, especially technology, through regular public speaking, mentorship, and involvement with schools and universities.
Date: 7 November 2017, 17:30 (Tuesday, 5th week, Michaelmas 2017)
Venue: St Cross College, St Giles OX1 3LZ
Venue Details: West Wing Lecture Theatre
Speaker: Linden Vongsathorn (Amazon)
Organising department: St Cross College
Organiser: Victoria Cox (St Cross College)
Organiser contact email address: alumni@stx.ox.ac.uk
Host: Victoria Cox (St Cross College)
Part of: St Cross Talks
Topics:
Booking required?: Required
Booking url: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/st-cross-talk-with-linden-vongsathorn-tickets-38501812959
Booking email: alumni@stx.ox.ac.uk
Cost: FREE
Audience: Public
Editor: Ella Bedrock