TV Everywhere could be a big moneymaker for advertisers and networks. Viewers now have the option of watching their favorite shows on TV at home, on their laptop or even on their mobile device at no additional cost, which will change the way TV is purchased from a media standpoint.

Gone are the days when the family would gather in the family room to watch their favorite prime-time TV shows. The VCR dabbled in changing this habit, but the DVR completely mastered this concept. Now viewers have the option of watching their favorite shows on TV at home, on their laptop or even on their mobile device at no additional cost. This concept is known as TV Everywhere.

The growing demand for TV Everywhere has transitioned TV from a platform device to an experience, which is beneficial to both the viewers and advertisers. With TV Everywhere, cable operators are allowing mobile access to customers who pay for TV service, improving customer satisfaction and creating new revenue opportunities. And one of the main perks is that unlike DVR, consumers do not have to plan ahead to use it.

TV Everywhere could be a big moneymaker in the future for advertisers and networks. According to Need-ham & Co’s Laura Martin, TV Everywhere could bring an additional $5.6 billion into the ad market each year. Since commercials will be the same as television, revenues will not be lost from ad skipping if the fast-forward button is disabled. This will also change the way TV is purchased from a media standpoint. Companies will be able to buy packages, which allow them to advertise across multiple platforms, and purchases will be focused more on impressions rather than ratings.

David Verklin, one of the cable industry’s most influential executives, explains in this video why he’s bullish on the future of television, and why the reasons have as much to do with new media as old.

In a world where technology is rapidly advancing, service providers will need to produce a consistent viewing experience across multiple devices in order to keep up. How do you think TV Everywhere will influence a shifting approach to advertising?

Escape the hustle and bustle of life in the big city of Chicago with a few quick getaways. Getting out of the city for a few hours can rejuvenate a person’s mind, body, and spirit. Choosing an activity away from downtown Chicago provides visitors with the chance to explore new cities and other points of interest. Check if public transportation is an option, and avoid traffic. Pack a picnic lunch, or research restaurants in the area to grab a quick bite to eat. Create a relaxing activity near Chicago.

Chicago-land Speedway
Visit the Chicago-land Speedway for the chance to feel some speed. Located in Joliet, Illinois, the speedway hosts both NASCAR and Indy car races during the year. Take a tour of Chicago-land Speedway to get a behind-the-scenes view of the track. Jump into the action at Chicago-land Speedway with the Richard Petty Driving Experience. Get behind the wheel of a stock car and see the track like the drivers do. Test your driving skills at the mile-and-a-half track with speeds of up to 160 miles per hour. Make arrangements through the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

Indiana Dunes National Lake-shore
Escape the busyness of Chicago with a trip to Indiana Dunes National Lake-shore. Situated about an hour from downtown Chicago, the dunes offer the perfect afternoon escape. Access the dunes by public transportation using the Chicago South Shore line. Enjoy the beaches of Lake Michigan, bird watching, hiking, horseback riding, or swimming during the summer. Try hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing during the winter. Camping facilities are available for an overnight stay on a first-come-first-served basis.

Springfield
Take a trip to the capital city, Springfield. Jump on the train or make the three-hour drive to Springfield, and enjoy a day full of history. Visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, the Lincoln tomb, the Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, and the Lincoln home. Stop by the Illinois State Capitol or the Executive Mansion while in town. Stay for a summer evening in Springfield, and enjoy the drive-in movie theater or the Muni, an outdoor theater by the lake.