Science in Focus Special: Beyond the Square Window

Synopsis: Based on the Faraday Lecture, 2001, these two 20-minute programmes were made in collaboration with the Institution of Electrical Engineers and are sponsored by the Independent Television Commission. After showing how digital signals work, by analogy with Morse Code, the compression of picture and sound is explained. Demonstrates how five digital television channels can be sent through the same bandwidth as one analogue channel. The programmes explore the idea of interactivity and how digital can allow everyone to take a more active role in their own viewing. The two programmes are:
1. How digital television works
2. The applications and implications of the new digital technologies
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Year of release: 2003
Year of production: 2001
Documentation: Programme notes available online at www.channel4.com.secondary
Uses: 14 years +
Subjects: Technology
Keywords: digital television; digital images

Title: How Digital Television works
Synopsis: Discusses pixels, compression, bandwidth, the use of multiple digital channels by Skt Sports Active, potential uses for viewers with disabilities, problems of over-compression, virtual reality presenters.
Duration: 20 mins
Title: Applications and Implicationsof the New Digital Technologies, The
Synopsis: Discusses the building of virtual characters using movement sensors, the uses for an avatar which is made from four images of a person, new types of television including wall and mobile units, research into how 3-D environments with interactive characters can be used to train people in public speaking or to overcome phobias.
Duration: 20 mins

Name: 4 Learning
Notes: Channel 4 Learning has now closed. This used to be the educational broadcasting arm of Channel 4. The online shop sold educational DVDs and CD-ROMs for use in primary and secondary schools.

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