The title brought attention to panelists' predictions about the future of television broadcasting, viewer reception of new technology and the roles of personal computers and the Internet. Some may even say it won't happen, at least not in formats we know today. For example, a panelist reminded the audience that just a few years ago, 500-channel TV service was on the verge of introduction. Those who listened to TV viewers discovered the demand was not for 500 channels. Fortunately, consumer experience was heeded and the 500-channel idea drifted quickly off the radar screen.
People expect their TV programs to run in a linear fashion.
Other conclusions coming out of Sunday's Megatrends session included a sensible comparison of control devices. TV viewers are used to the fairly simple remote control. It fits easily in the hand. Megatrends participants did not think a typical PC keyboard with more than 100 keys would be an acceptable input for channel choices. Internet addresses require entry of URLs often containing more than a dozen keystrokes, while TV remote controllers can change channels and adjust colors and volume with about three or four touches.