A Revolution is Upon Us!

The lines between traditional broadcast television and
the new communications paradigm represented by the
Internet and the World Wide Web are beginning to blur.

But where is this taking us?

Each day we learn of new developments heralding new and exciting opportunities. In the City of San Diego, information technology and education have reached critical mass.The rapid growth of professional organizations signals a tremendous shift in core industries. Our economic future resides in a world that only few can imagine. The pitfalls and promises of information technology are creeping into conversations throughout every strata of society.

While pundits proclaim a new era is upon us, incredibly, no mass public forum exists to discuss it. Until now...

DigitalTalkTV - Show Overview

The Host

The host of DigitalTalkTV is none other than San Diego's former Mayor and Number One Radio Talk Show personality, Roger Hedgecock. Roger's quick wit is put to task via a televised discussion format program that introduces and explains current and futuristic technologies in an environment of high energy multimedia performances.

The Technology

DTTV isn't just a talk show about the internet. It's a talk show that uses the internet. Roger and the DigitalTalkTV 'Media Jockey' play host to four guests as they discuss the issues and developments of digital communications and the Internet. This discussion drives the content into the 'Engine Room' where web researchers, referred to as Dataminers, use internet search tools to surf topical keywords in real time. Throughout the show, the Dataminers create bookmarks or links to internet sites worldwide adding depth and balance to the live discussion. In addition, every spoken word is captured by an expert court reporter, or 'Techno-Scribe'. This transcription is fed live to the internet. After the show, the bookmarks are merged with the transcript resulting in a fully interactive archive posted to the site.

This technical scenario is referred to as a Live Internet News Feed. During air time, online viewers can watch via CU-SeeMe, Real Video or listen via Real Audio and even contribute to the production through electronic mail and the "DigiTalkBox" chat room. Lastly, television and online viewers may also enter featured contests to win valuable prizes.

The Stage

A TV talk show needs a home and DigitalTalkTV pulls out all the stops when it comes to its home stage. Shot live-to-tape, in front of a studio audience, stunning theatrical effects sponsored by PowerHouse Exhibits and Sony, offer television viewers a multimedia extravaganza of computer controlled video wall displays, laser lights, digital graphics, compelling music and more. In cooperation with Technology Integration Group, a virtual stage is under development that incorporates the latest in VRML technology providing online viewers additional options for exploring and participating in DigitalTalkTV.

The Cast

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Roger, "MJ", "Gladys" and the "Dataminers" all serve as role models and archetypes within this new paradigm of learning and entertainment.

Roger, the inquisitive talk show host, makes a heroic attempt to control the media explosion happening all around him.
The Media Jockey, MJ, represents the X (Y and Z) Generation. As media director and side kick to Roger, MJ is a character that the youth all identify with. MJ is also the DTTV Web Weatherman.
Gladys, the Techno-Scribe, is DigitalTalkTV's matriarch and digital curmudgeon. Not only is she a walking archive of 20th century history, she is the only person on stage with the valid authority is stop the action. As the transcriber, she must hear and input every word in real time and she has a thing against acronyms. Expect to hear from Gladys quite often.
The Dataminers, Engine Room staff, represent the established technologists (or Internet Couch Potatoes, whichever you prefer). As the name suggests, Dataminers search out internet sites which are intended to provide support to the discussion at hand. Look forward to special features such as the Free Association Surfing Trials, better known as F.A.S.T .. F.A.S.T. is a free-style search competition where researchers pit their wits and skills against each other to win free online time for lucky viewers. In addition to the invited guests or panelists, look forward to celebrity appearances in the Engine Room and during other featured segments of DigitalTalkTV.

The Products

The entire DTTV experience sets in motion the implementation of a new form of mass-media that many refer to as "WebTV". Along with traditional television advertising, the web-based advertising model calls for after-market products that include not only interactive transcripts but Sponsor, Guest and DTTV merchandise, video archives, chat room transcripts and more. As retailers, major equipment manufacturers and suppliers are turning their attention towards the promise of a lucrative webmarket, expect to see links and DTTV-sponsored virtual malls and other mechanisms that highlight quality products and services for every facet of our society.

The Guests

As Roger would say, DigitalTalkTV "holds technology's feet to the fire" by questioning the techno-political definers represented in all walks of life: science, entertainment, publishing, politics, multimedia, education, communications, hardware and software design, Cable TV, wireless, satellite, telephony and the internet. Real people are here too! Individuals and groups who take issue with the new communications paradigm finally have a forum to speak to their constituents. From anti-technologists and futurists to net-heads and computer widows, this is the primary content of DigitalTalkTV.

The Audience

With DigitalTalkTV and You, the television and internet public, we explore together the socio-political impact of technology on our lives, our society and the global village. As we move towards the 21st century and beyond, we demand an accounting of the impact that television and computers are having on our children, our businesses, and the world of tomorrow. Discover with us the technologies and unsung heros and heroines of this brave new world. Before you leave, please drop by and complete the online Guest Book. Coming soon: For those who wish to participate more fully in DigitalTalkTV, become a member of the Dataminers Club and register to win cool prizes.

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