A History of TV Style (Discussion)

All groups

1. Explain the concept that goes by the terms, "technological manifest destiny" and "technological determinism." Why is it a mistaken notion when applied to TV?
   • What are some examples that you've seen that prove this concept is wrong? (Don't rely on the examples in the book and you can refer to technology other than that involving video or TV.)

Groups 4 & 8

1. Outline the history of TV editing--listing the major technological changes. How did these changes have an impact on TV style?
2. Why type of editing equipment do you suppose was used to cut the following programs:
   • All My Children:
   • Northern Exposure:
   • Seinfeld:
   • Stranger Things:

Groups 5 & 1

1. List the elements of the production of I Love Lucy that make it significant to the history of TV style. Explain why each element is important.

Groups 6 & 2

1. The history of color TV is very complicated. Create a timeline that lists the significant events leading up to color TV's widespread implementation.
2. What impact did color technology have on TV style?
3. What is the NTSC and why was it created?

Groups 7 & 3

1. When did the remote control first appear and what were the names of the early devices?
   • How did they work?
2. How do modern remote controls work and when did they become commonly used?
3. What have broadcast networks done to try to combat channel changing and distractions from "second screens" (that is, cellphones, tablets, laptops)?

Kinescope (all groups, if time permits)

1. What is a kinescope? How were kinescopes created and what characterized how they looked?

Bibliography

1. Gary Copeland, "A History of Television Style," in Jeremy G. Butler, Television: Critical Methods and Applications, third edition. Not included in fourth and subsequent editions of Television.

External links

• Kinescope-Videotape comparison
• Clorox commercials.
• Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In (episode 15, 9/16/1968)
• The Magic of Television (1941)