Definition
Videotex is an early form of an interactive information retrieval service that transmits data to users’ television screens via telephone lines. This system enables users to access, retrieve, and interact with various types of information through a terminal that includes a keyboard and a display unit. Typically, videotex systems are used for purposes such as ordering products, conducting banking transactions, and retrieving news or other information.
Examples
- Home Banking: Using a videotex service to view bank account balances, transfer funds, or pay bills from home.
- Online Shopping: Sending an order to suppliers for grocery delivery or other goods by entering data into the videotex system.
- Information Services: Accessing news, weather reports, or general information through a videotex service offered by service providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main advantage of videotex systems?
A: The main advantage is the interactive functionality, which allows users to enter commands and receive responses in real-time, making processes such as banking or shopping more convenient from home.
Q: How does videotex differ from teletext?
A: While both involve transmitting text over broadcast lines, teletext is generally non-interactive and only allows users to view information, whereas videotex systems facilitate user interaction by allowing data entry.
Q: What kind of technology is used for videotex transmissions?
A: Videotex systems typically employ standardized protocols and telephone lines or other telecommunications infrastructure to transmit data between the user’s terminal and the service provider’s computer.
Q: Are videotex services still in use today?
A: While the popularity of videotex services has waned with the advent of the Internet, some specialized applications such as home banking systems evolved into modern digital services.
- Teletext: A one-way data broadcasting system that allows users to retrieve information like news, weather, and stock prices but does not support interactive functions.
- HTTP/HTML: Technologies used for data transmission and display over the World Wide Web, which replaced videotex systems.
- Modem: A device that modulates and demodulates signals for data transmission over telephone lines, often used in videotex systems.
- Electronic Data Interchange (EDI): A system that allows the exchange of data between companies’ computer systems in a standard electronic format.
Online References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Telecommunication and Data Center Networks: Architectures, Algorithms and Performance Evaluation” by Yin Zhang, Min Chen
- “The Internet and Its Protocols: A Comparative Approach” by Adrian Farrel
- “Telecommunication Networks: Introduction to Transport Networks” by Eugenio Iannone
Fundamentals of Videotex: Telecommunications Basics Quiz
### Videotex allows for interactive operations between which two main points?
- [x] A home TV screen and a computer.
- [ ] Radio receivers and computer systems.
- [ ] Teletext terminals and mobile phones.
- [ ] Internet routers and desktop monitors.
> **Explanation:** Videotex specifically refers to the transmission and interaction of data between a home TV screen and a computer via telephone lines.
### Which type of service is a direct modern successor to early videotex banking applications?
- [x] Online banking.
- [ ] Telegraph services.
- [ ] Mobile SMS banking.
- [ ] Fax transmissions.
> **Explanation:** Online banking is a direct successor of videotex banking applications and offers similar functionalities over the Internet.
### What was a major downside of videotex systems in their time?
- [ ] Too much bandwidth usage.
- [ ] Incompatible with color TVs.
- [x] Slow data transmission speeds.
- [ ] Dependency on radio waves.
> **Explanation:** The major downside was the slow data transmission speeds, caused by the limitations of the telephone lines used in videotex systems.
### Videotex systems were widely used during which time period?
- [x] Late 1970s to early 1990s.
- [ ] 1950s to 1960s.
- [ ] Early 2000s.
- [ ] Mid 1940s.
> **Explanation:** Videotex systems were most popular from the late 1970s to the early 1990s before the rise of the World Wide Web.
### Over which infrastructure did videotex systems typically transmit data?
- [x] Telephone lines.
- [ ] Satellite links.
- [ ] Fiber optic cables.
- [ ] Radio waves.
> **Explanation:** Telephone lines were the primary infrastructure used for data transmission in videotex systems.
### In videotex terminology, what does "interactive" imply?
- [ ] Only viewing information.
- [x] Entering data and receiving responses.
- [ ] Sending television signals.
- [ ] Using voice commands.
> **Explanation:** In the context of videotex, "interactive" means users can enter commands or data and receive real-time responses.
### Which modern device replaced the videotex terminal in offering similar services?
- [ ] Fax machines.
- [ ] CRT monitors.
- [x] Personal computers.
- [ ] Pager devices.
> **Explanation:** Personal computers replaced videotex terminals, offering broader and more efficient services due to advancements in digital technology.
### Which of the following was NOT a typical use of videotex systems?
- [x] Streaming high-definition video.
- [ ] Home banking.
- [ ] Online shopping.
- [ ] Information retrieval.
> **Explanation:** Streaming high-definition video was not possible with the limited technology and bandwidth of videotex systems.
### What tech development largely led to the decline of videotex systems?
- [ ] Emergence of 2G mobile networks.
- [ ] Rise of fax machines.
- [x] The development of the Internet and World Wide Web.
- [ ] Invention of the CD-ROM.
> **Explanation:** The development and popularity of the Internet and the World Wide Web significantly led to the decline of videotex systems.
### Who was typically responsible for providing videotex services?
- [ ] Furniture manufacturers.
- [ ] Radio broadcasters.
- [ ] Movie studios.
- [x] Telecommunication companies.
> **Explanation:** Telecommunication companies were typically responsible for providing videotex services, given their control over the necessary telephone infrastructure.
Thank you for exploring the fascinating topic of videotex and challenging your knowledge with our quiz questions. Keep delving into the world of telecommunications and digital history!
