‘Wired city' a-coming sooner than we think!

EDITOR’ S NOTE: In recognition of Canada’s 150th anniversary, The Herald is reprinting historic stories from the South Okanagan focusing on the biggest news story of each year. Today’ s submission is an editorial.

AUGUST 19, 1977 – Even as the debate continues over the pervasive influence of television in our daily lives, we are moving into an age where the one-eyed monster will truly be man’s servant.

The spectacular popularity of electronic games that use the television set — like ping pong and hockey — is only a hint of things to come.

Cable television, which is steadily growing in usage and sophistication, may be the wave of the future.

Currently being tested in Tokyo is a cable system that ultimately could provide every household in Japan with a variety of two-way services.

The system utilizes the new technology of fiber optics, by which information is transmitted via light beams through hair-thin glass filaments.

With a central computer providing the necessary controls, test subscribers can use special equipment installed in their homes to interact with the system in a number of ways. Some examples: Request entertainment. By tapping out the proper code on a keyboard, the subscriber activates the computer’s video information unit, which switches the designated program into automatic transmission.

Request data. This is transmitted to the subscriber in still-picture form at his option, and includes all types of specialized information, such as news, stock market reports, time, weather and other announcements of interest.

Facsimile. If the subscriber wishes, hard copies of video information can be printed out, including a “home” newspaper.

Computer-assisted instruction. Questions and assignments appear on the screen of the home TV receiver. Students respond on the keyboard and their answers are evaluated by the computer, which regulates the program in accordance with the capability demonstrated by each individual.

Cashless transactions. Store and restaurant bills, rent and utility charges can be paid through the system, with deductions made automatically from the account of the subscriber.

Shopping and reservations. Goods appear on the TV screen, together with prices. The subscriber can order by means of keyboard input, or make theatre, restaurant and travel reservations the same way. Again, payment is made automatically from bank accounts.

Burglar and fire alarms. Detectors are installed in each home so that the central computer can sense any abnormality, such as intrusions or excessive heat or smoke. Alarms can be retransmitted to police and fire stations and instructions relayed to the household on emergency measures to be taken while safety units are on the way.

Telemetering and telecontrol. Electricity, gas and water meters are read automatically and charges handled as cashless transactions. Telecontrol makes it possible to regulate household electrical appliances and heating and cooling systems from outside the house.

The Japanese project was begun in 1972, but had been stalled because of the cost, bulkiness and other limitations of conventional coaxial cable.

Independent investigation into the potential of fiber optics by Arthur D. Little, Inc., an American research organization, was instrumental in persuading Japan’s ministry of international trade and industry to adopt the new technology.

According to Little, the Japanese field trial is experimental only in the sense of evaluating the performance of the system and determining modifications necessary to raise it to full-fledged nationwide operation.

Thanks to the computer and fiber optics, the much-talked-about “wired city” or “information society” may be upon us sooner than we think.