Neat Speak for Non-Geeks

This is the first of what I hope will be a weekly column covering new technology from a consumer’s point of view. First a test is in order. The new ATSC standards adopted by the FCC will assure that both interlaced and progressive scanning can coexist in the 8VSB transmitted bit stream and as long as all the PIDS are present the video can be displayed on monitors with resolutions ranging from 480p/i to 1080i. If you completely understand the last sentence you will find what I plan to write in future columns much too basic. You already know more than I do. You can stop reading right now.

On the other hand, if you feel that the sentence might have just as well been written in some Klingon dialect, I think you will find the columns informative and entertaining.

Recently Bill Gates proclaimed that this is the Digital Decade. Who can disagree? Hardly any facet of our daily life is untouched by some digital gizmo. Cars that park themselves, maps that talk to you, cell phones that double as credit cards … all made possible because some machine is able to put “0s” and “1s” together.

Wading through the hype and “geek speak” can be intimidating and expensive. Do I really need to upgrade now? Will my TV still work in two years? Unfortunately there are few places to turn for clear unbiased information and advice. The “big box” stores have legions of staff ready, willing and able to tell you why you need a 1080i TV set rather than a 720p model. The recommendation, of course, will have little to do with the fact that the 1080 set has a higher price tag and better mark up.

I plan to cover the gamut. We will look at home entertainment systems, mobile phones, and the latest in high definition TVs. I’ll point you to good online web sites and give you a peek at what might be the next “must have” device. I promise to keep the jargon to a minimum and also respect the fact that your intelligence should not be measured by your ability to understand everything your pocket-protector-clad know-it-all next door neighbor might utter.

I want to hear what you would like to read. I don’t plan for this to be a question and answer forum, but I will address topics that spark comments and responses. You can contact me at - jack_dominic@wcet.pbs.org.

Jack Dominic, a Harrison Twp. resident, is VP & COO at CET, Cincinnati’s Public Television station, a pioneer in broadcasting and online video services. www.CETconnect.org.