Telepresence

Telepresence is a new technology that allows face-to face communication between people who are geographically separated. Different types of telepresence technologies include videoconferencing (mostly used in business meetings), videotelephony (communication between people through video), telerobotics (use of video to control objects at a distance), and lastly avatar-based virtual presence (using a computer made avatar in place of a person). The goal of telepresence is to provide immediate feedback in meetings and group communication settings. According to class lecture, telepresence is the future of global commerce and has become popular “due to an increase need to work closely with others across states, nations, and time zones” Dr. Chad Mahood.

Telepresence is having a huge effect in education, business settings, and popular culture. These communication systems are definitely changing the face of higher education. In February 2010, Duke University and Cisco Systems exposed the first virtual lecture hall for their business school. It provided business school students access to professors, business leaders, and guest lecturers located around the world. In the business world, telepresence technologies have enhanced communication, business opportunities, and reduced travel expenses. In popular culture, telepresence technologies have been installed on personal computers and cell phones with applications such as Skype and Tango. So now instead of calling someone, people can instantly video chat.

Several studies on telepresence identify vividness and interactivity as the two major determinants. It has been presented to the world in many different technologies including, video games, online shopping, and advertising. Other researchers have even discussed using telepresence in the medical field as therapeutic treatments such as videoconferencing for people with posttraumatic stress disorders. Several researchers have studied telepresence and the effects it will have on society in the future, “it is important to a human-centered philosophy to note that although the technology is new, the nature of its human users is unchanged and unchanging” (Draper, Kaber, & Usher, 1998, p. 20). Telepresence only has the ability to grow and get more high-tech with new technologies.

Draper, J, Kaber, D, & Usher J (19998). Telepresence. Journal of Broadcasting and Electronic Media, 43, 354-375.

The Digital Television

In the year 1927, a man named Philo Farnsworth transmitted the first electronic picture. It was the first demonstration of a T.V. broadcast system. I am interested in the television technology because I am a huge television fanatic and love to watch shows and movies all the time. It amazes me that when television first started developing, it only carried thirteen channels and now we have thousands in high definition because of digital television. If that is not interesting enough, others should be interested in the fact that there are four main features that make digital television better than other televisions. The images have wider aspect ratios, better solutions, better color, and better sound.  According to lecture, “all televisions in America need to have the ability for digital television” (Dr. Chad Mahood).