Videotex AKA Interactive Videotex AKA Teletex AKA Viewdata
[related: Minitel]
Arguably the first end-user information system, videotex was launched in the late 1970's using a computer-like format to display text on a "dumb terminal". In contrast to the later developed "internet", videotex was almost entirely centralized with minimal user --> server communication. In later years, videotex became a "generic trademark" and was used to refer to a variety of text information systems including bulletin boards systems and flight information displays at airports. Videotex technology was integral to the development and release of Knight Ridder's Viewtron system, available exclusively for use on AT&T's decrepit Spectre console [1]. By the late 1980's videotex's usage was limited to a few niche applications (most associated North American and European military alliances) aside from Minitel [2] users in France.
- ↑ Basic videotex technology was later overlaid with three dimensionally mapped graphic images for Knight Ridder's digital mall, Spectre Complex. The retention of videotex core operating systems severely limited the functionality of the digital mall, leading to the project's commercial failure and out-of-date security protocols, rendering it virtually defenseless to contemporary hacker groups.
- ↑ A videotex service that oddly logged over 10 million unique users in 1999 despite few documented subscribers, Minitel pioneered the use of a "computer-like interface" for purchase of train/airline tickets, shared calendars, and dating applications. It is speculated that, following the advent of The Internet, Minitel was used primarily by French male citizens for the sending and receiving of so-called "pink messages" via difficult to access dialogue channels. Previous to its dissolution, Minitel still maintained approximately $60 million in annual revenue.