Monday, November 25, 2024

EOTO1: Invention Of Television

The Television – The Significance of ...

Samuel F.B. Morse | Telegraph, Biography, & Facts | Britannica

There was no “main” person to invent the television. It took a lot of different brains and time to create what we have today. The idea started in the 1830s and 40s when the telegraph and telephone were invented.  

The first step was when Samuel F. B developed the telegraph which allowed messages being sent through wires. Which follows up to Alexander Graham Bell inventing the telephone allowing voices to travel through distance. With the two combined it created a lee way for Paul Nipkow to make a system to send images through moving discs. He named it the electric telescope, otherwise known as the early form of a television. 

Mechanical Television was the first to be commercially produced. On March 25th 1925, Scottish inventor John Logie Baird gave the first ever demonstration of moving images on a television screen.  This television was the first to utilize a cathode ray tube and its history can be traced back to the 19th century experimentation which involved cathode rays and electro-mechanical projectors. 

Although Mechanical television was groundbreaking,  it had limitations in quality and that made it hard to use at home.  This led to the development of electronic television, which had a much better image and capabilities. In 1927, Philo Farnsworth invented the first fully electronic television system. Farnsworth’s "image dissector" was able to convert images into electrical signals without any mechanical components.  This was a significant improvement from the rotating discs of mechanical TV. Around the same time, Vladimir Zworykin, developed a camera tube called the “Iconoscope,” which was also instrumental in the advancement of electronic television technology. 

The two inventors, Farnsworth and Zworykin, later were part of a long patent argument.  

In 1934 Farnsworth won the battle when the patent office ruled in his favor.  This secured his name for the invention of the electronic television. 

 In 1939, at the New York World Fair, television made a big public introduction.   RCA broadcast the opening ceremonies and this marked history in American culture.

By the 1950s, television was typical of every household, and it became the main source of entertainment and news, surpassing radio. Over time inventors and scientists have created the evolution of television from mechanical TV to today’s very thin high-definition smart TVs. These inventions and upgrades in technology has shaped the way we watch TV, get our content, and connect with each other through a screen.

https://www.history.com/news/who-invented-television

https://www.tcl.com/global/en/blog/playbooks/history-of-tv

Television - Fun Times In The 50s


Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Privacy

Protect Your Privacy On Social Media ...

In today's world, social media is a big part of a lot of peoples everyday lives. Taking pictures is a major factor in that. Whether it's snapping a picture of yourself to your friends, taking a group photo and posting it on your Instagram story, or sharing a video on TikTok.  Although we do not think too much of it, you really never know where your face could end up.  Juan Enriquez and Catherine Crump emphasize the importance of protecting your online presence. 

In a TedTalk I watched called "Your Online Life, Permanent as a tattoo" Juan Enriquez explains how your online presence can be a permanent imprint on the internet.  Anything you post or share on the Internet is permanent no matter how many times you try to erase or delete it. This is why Juan refers to these posts as "electronic tattoos".  Posting on social media isn't the only thing you have to worry about. Juan emphasized the advancement on technology and facial recognition is becoming more in use, and can affect your jobs and future.  Make sure you are careful what you post. 

Catherine Crump explains in her TedTalk how police are using advanced surveillance technology, like license plate readers and cell phone trackers, to collect information on people’s movements and activities. Even innocent people have their data stored, which can be misused for things like profiling or blackmail. The government is also combining this data into large databases, making it even more powerful and dangerous. Catherine emphasizes we need laws to stop police from keeping data about innocent people and protect our privacy while still allowing the technology to be used for real crimes.

These issues hit close to home because they affect everyone—me, my friends, and my family. We all use technology daily, but how often do we think about who is watching or where our information is going? It’s unsettling to know that something as simple as a selfie or driving through town could leave a trail of data for someone to use.

 The government should implement stronger regulations to protect our privacy. This includes limiting how long personal data is stored and ensuring transparency about how surveillance tools are used.  We also have a responsibility to protect ourselves. We have to be mindful of what we share, using privacy settings, and staying informed about how technology works. These are small and simple but important steps we can take. 

Social Media Privacy Tips to Keep Your ...

EOTO2: Cord cutting

Cable TV vs Network TV: Key Differences ...

Cable television has been declining for years now and we are beginning to understand why.  There are so many new streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video that people would much rather use and there are so many different programs to choose from.  In addition, these platforms offer easy ways to search for something to watch by providing categories and genres.  People have “cut the cord” by turning in their cable boxes and choosing to stream instead.

Cost is one of the main causes of cutting the cord. (A Leichtman Research Group research from 2023 states that), while streaming services usually cost between $7 and $20 a month, the average cable bill is over $100. Studies show that most homes only frequently view about 17 of the hundreds of channels that are included in cable subscriptions, highlighting the inefficiencies of standard cable bundles. On the other hand, streaming services let customers customize their subscriptions and only pay for the content they like.

In the early 2010s, cable was what most families used for their entertainment.  There were big shows like Breaking Bad and The Walking Dead as well as live sporting events that 90% of households would watch.  This made cable companies over $10 billion and this surpassed regular broadcasting.  Even though families have hundreds of choices, it has almost become harder for people to decide what they want to watch.  The research shows that most families only watch approximately 17 shows.

Another factor is how we consume media now. Most people, especially younger generations, are used to watching YouTube or TikTok on phones, tablets, or laptops instead of sitting in front of a TV. Streaming platforms now are built for that kind of flexibility. They offer exclusive original content, like the top shows and movies, that cable can’t compete with. Cable networks once thrived on live events and sports, but even these are now available on platforms like ESPN+ or YouTube TV.

Cable companies have tried to adapt by offering their own streaming options, such as Peacock and HBO Max, but it’s clear that traditional TV is losing its grip. Most of the big companies are choosing to shift their focus toward streaming, and they are putting a lot of money into these services.  It is understandable that older generations still prefer to use cable because this is what is familiar to them, however, for a lot of people, the rise of streaming services and platforms offer convenience and variety that will continue to attract viewers. 

Streaming services guide: Here's how to ...

Sources

https://www.cnet.com/tech/home-entertainment/streaming-services-vs-cable-battle-budget-which-one-saves-you-more-money/


https://www.forbes.com/sites/bradadgate/2020/11/02/the-rise-and-fall-of-cable-television/

https://www.statista.com/statistics/782509/united-states-adult-millennials-cable-purchasing-cord-cutting-plan/


blog 3: 8 Values of Free expression

University of Colorado Boulder

One of the most fundamental liberties that Americans have is the freedom to express themselves. It allows us to express our ideas, share opinions, and connect with others. The eight theories about why freedom is important help us comprehend how it affects our country and our lives. The following two theories speak to me the most: Individual Self-Fulfillment and the Market for Ideas.

Individual self-fulfillment is the first one that speaks to me. This idea highlights the importance of being yourself and using your right to freedom of speech. Social media is a perfect example of this. People use Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to express their experiences and ideas. For example, Alix Earle, a popular influencer, uses her platforms to openly discuss her difficulties with acne, plastic surgery, and confidence. This inspires many others to do the same and share their stories as well. 

I hate to say it, but social media is an important part of my life. Whether I'm posting photos of my dog Mazy, taking pictures of me and my friends out, or posting on my private Snapchat story. These small acts of expressiveness allow me to connect with others as well as see what people are up to or what's going on around the world. These little acts of sharing show how freedom of expression can help us grow and feel more confident. For me, it’s not just about all the political issues, it’s about the small, everyday things that let me be myself.

Another theory I resonate with is The Marketplace of Ideas: This theory says that the best ideas will rise to the top when people are free to share different opinions. Even though this idea was written about over 100 years ago, it still matters today. Social media platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram are filled with people who share opinions, debate ideas, and argue with each other. Movements like #MeToo or #BlackLivesMatter started because people could tell their stories and speak up about issues that were being ignored. 

This goes to show how powerful it is when people are free to express their opinions. However, the Marketplace of Ideas isn’t always perfect. Sometimes false information spreads just as quickly as the truth, which makes it hard for people to know what to believe. Misinformation travels fast online, and it can be hard to tell what’s true. This reminds us that freedom of expression comes with a responsibility. We need to think carefully about what we share and make sure we’re not spreading harmful or untrue information.

Freedom of expression is more than just a law, it's part of what makes us who we are. The eight theories about why this freedom matters help us understand it better, but they also challenge us to use it responsibly. Whether it’s through a TikTok post, a class discussion, or a personal story, we all play a role in keeping freedom of expression alive. It’s a big part of what makes life meaningful and our society stronger.

Eight Values of Free Expression

Final Blog Post

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