Hindsight · review build · data not yet validated
There is effective convergence, at least on the hardware and supporting software level, of all media, which exist as digital objects (i.e., files).
Grader A: hit
By 2009 all major media existed and were handled as digital files: US full-power TV went digital on 12 June 2009, over a quarter of recorded-music revenue was digital, film and photography production had largely moved to digital files, and e-books were sold as files. Common hardware (PCs, smartphones) played all of them.
Test: At least 50% of media content produced and distributed digitally at the hardware and software level: met (US broadcast TV all digital June 2009; digital music 27% of revenue with CDs themselves digital).
Grader B: hit
By 2009 music, video, books, photos and broadcast (US digital TV switch June 2009) all existed as digital files playable on common hardware and software.
Test: Industry test: all major media available digitally by 2009.