The information superhighway: a review of some determining factors

Abstract

It has been suggested that consumer services will be the major information highway driving force. The social and political factors likely to influence the rate of progress are discussed and so are the major consumer entertainment and information applications. Many are based on interactive television. System requirements for 'movies on demand' are receiving special attention, particularly in university research departments; work in progress is reviewed. It is concluded that successful services offered at a price leading to mass demand will be slow in arriving.'Timing is all-important when it comes to exploiting new technology -but it's impossible to be sure when the time is right' (