MAX Headroom c. 1987
Remeber Max Headroom? The show that ABC killed because they said it was not popular enough? I beg to differ. I think it was ahead of its time and maybe challenged the franchise that network news had with the public. The tag was “20 minutes into the future”.
Edison Carter to network 23, can you read me?
I think Matt Frewer (aka Edison Carter, roving live video reporter) was in contact with his ‘control’ or producer. What was happening was he was on scene with a video camera that had a satelite link built into the head. When his red light was on, that meant he was ‘live on air’.
A little farther into the future than 20 minutes, replace all of that with EVDO, the internet, and a hand-held PC that provides logistical support via IM, email, collaboration etc. and you have today’s version of Max.
Vlogging in YouTube, VIDBLOGS , Blip.tv and others with live streaming coming from YouTube and Yahoo, today Justin.tv, Ustream, Blogtv, Mogulus (very cool!). Next-gen comers like Motionbox with their HD player are impressive.
My fave is Mogulus right now because it emulates a video studio with live broadcast capability. Imagine having a 3G handheld computer, HD camera and something interesting to report on. Hmmm.
The Mogulus home page has a cool video on it that you must watch. It features a retro voice-over instructing on how it works and what you can do with it. The woman is very young and vibrant and is almost an unrealistic salesperson for the offering. That aside, the video is very convincing. Check it out.
Expect more from this thread.
