Difference between revisions of "Minitel"

Revision as of 23:33, 13 November 2007

Minitel...

Teletext/Videotex

Minitel falls under an umbrella category of similar systems, which is rather elusive in terms of definition. There are numerous names for these new types of technology that came in to existence in the very early 1980s, including Teletext, Videotex, or Viewdata. These terms are often used interchangeably and can often lead to confusion due to the fact that there were many different types of services offered as well as many different devices for information retrieval. The International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee (CCITT) makes a more clear distinction. According to the CCITT, Videotex refers to two-way information services and Teletext refers to one-way services. Michael Tyler defined Teletext/Videotex as such "Systems for the widespread dissemination of textual and graphic information by wholly electronic means, for display on low-cost terminals (often suitably equipped television receivers), under the selective control of the recipient, and using control procedures easily understood by untrained users." (Tyler) An analysis of this definition by Tyler's peers points out, "It is significant to note that with the exception of the term "electronic," the definition is medium free" (Tydeman 2) Research on the subjects proves that indeed their were numerous mediums that all fell under this category. At this point in time, with world wide web as we know it today still in the works, these were attempts to create a network type of communication system. However, in most cases (besides chat room type services) Videotex/Teletext were broadcast type systems. It was possible in some countries for Broadcasting Companies to create their own teletext networks. For example in the United States the Corporation for Public Broadcasting even created a Guidebook to help broadcasters start up their own transmision. This clear definition between message senders and message recievers (except for in chatrooms) is probably one of the main causes of this systems demise. Interestingly in the Guide Carey, points out the ability of Teletext to target narrow audiences, as a selling point. (Carey 33) In this way teletext was able to bridge the gap between mass electronic media, which had incredible circulation and periodicals, which could already focus their attention on specific audiences.

-Types

Minitel Services

List: PhoneBook, Chat Rooms

The Minitel Terminal

-qwerty

Graphic Interface

-ms dos -color -text (font) -graphic

Encoding/Decoding

-Broadcasting vs. chatrooms

Marketing, Revenue, and Tariffs

-advertising

The French Phenomenon

-qwerty quote -french language

Withstanding the Internet

Messagerie Rose

Homesexuality and Expression

Last Breaths

-yahoo -that website -our experience trying to access it

References

Carey, John. Teletext Guidebook: a Report for Office of Policy Development and Planning Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Greystone Communications, 1984

Tydeman, John, Hubert Lipinksi, Richard P. Adler, Michael Nyhan, and Laurence Zwimpfer. Teletext and VideoTex in the UNited States: Market Potential Technology Public Policy Issues. New York: McGraw-Hill Publications Company, 1982.

Tyler, Michael: “Electronic Publishing: Sketch of the European Experience,” Teletext and Viewdata in the U.S.: A Workshop on Emerging Issues, Background Papers, Institute for the Future, Menlo Park, Calif., 1979.