WHAT CHANGED TELEVISION, AND THE WORLD, FOREVER?
BY DAN MILLER
(originally posted April 26, 2005)
Folks often ask my opinion on what innovation has impacted television the most over the years.
That's easy....
It's not color TV, or video tape, or digital technology, or HDTV, or satellites, or cable.
It is -- the remote control.
That little device changed everything.
Years ago, when someone turned on a particular program, they stayed with it.
It was far too much trouble to get up, walk over to the TV, and change the channel.
Of course, my Dad would send us kids over to switch channels.... so we were, in a sense, his living, breathing remote controls.
I actually had a serious discussion with a friend about whether the remote control has contributed to obesity in American society.
Before these wireless marvels, getting up from the sofa to change channels might be the most significant exercise some people got during the evening.... but at least it was something.
Nowadays, I suppose it's fortunate that both the bathroom and the refrigerator still require a short walk, or some people might get no exercise whatsoever.
Here's another impact of the remote control.... it brought about the demise of those catchy theme songs on most TV shows.
Gone are the days of long opening themes on shows like Mary Tyler Moore, or Gilligan's Island, or Flipper, or Rawhide, or Cheers.
Programmers fear that while those theme songs are playing, the viewers -- who have such power at their fingertips -- will check to see what's on other channels... and they might decide not to come back.
Even in newscasts, most stations present few long, comprehensive investigative reports, aiming instead for short introductions to quick, visually enticing stories. And that's a loss for everybody.
The reason? To keep you from hitting that remote channel changer.
And all stations load their newscasts with teases of wonderful things to come if you'll just stay right there for a few more minutes. Everything is calculated to keep you from picking up that remote.
It wouldn't be difficult to make a case that the divorce rate in America has soared since the 1970's and 80's..... just about the time remote controls became commonplace.
Is it coincidence? Well, we're all familiar with the battle of the sexes for control of the remote.
And what about our prison populations soaring.... and global warming.... and our schools becoming more and more unruly..... and the price of gasoline....? (OK, now I'm overselling)
But here's another real concern I have about remote controls.... they've become too complicated.
I confess, there are buttons on my remote control that I have no idea what they do.
And I need at least four different remotes.... one for TV.... one for the VCR.... one for the DVD..... and one for cable.
I've purchased several "universal" remotes, that are supposed to control every device I own..... but they never do.
That, I think, is the next great frontier for television..... one remote, that really does it all..... including bringing snacks from the kitchen.
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