By conveying so much data so quickly, using the same optical-fiber cables not used by some long-distance telephone carriers, high-speed computer networks hold the promise of many new scientific and commercial uses that could be available by the middle of this decade. These include the ability to transmit and receive data from a hybrid of television and computer. The new device would have a picture and sound of movie-like quality and the capacity to allow the viewer to manipulate the images and data displayed on the screen and instantaneously exchange information with other users.
Predictor: Markoff, John
Prediction, in context:In a 1990 article for The New York Times, John Markoff writes about the National Science Foundation plan to develop an advanced computer network: ”A group of private companies, universities, research laboratories and government agencies is planning to develop an advanced computer network in which data would be transmitted at speeds 700 times faster than possible now. The plan is to be announced today by the National Science Foundation. It would be the first comprehensive effort in the United States to advance the technologically critical area of computer networks and is being called an important model for cooperation between business and government … By conveying so much data so quickly, using the same optical-fiber cables not used by some long-distance telephone carriers, high-speed computer networks hold the promise of many new scientific and commercial uses that could be available by the middle of this decade. These include the ability to transmit and receive data from a hybrid of television and computer. The new device would have a picture and sound of movie-like quality and the capacity to allow the viewer to manipulate the images and data displayed on the screen and instantaneously exchange information with other users. Other potential uses that could evolve from the new project include three-dimensional medical imaging that enables doctors thousands of miles apart to analyze lifelike, high-resolution images; far more accurate understanding and prediction of weather and climate because of the ability to link the power of supercomputers around the country; and multi-media teleconferencing that would combine video images and computer data, allowing business meetings without the need to travel.”
Biography:John Markoff wrote or co-wrote “The High Cost of High Tech,” “Cyber Punk: Outlaws and Hackers on the Computer Frontier” and “Takedown: The Pursuit and Capture of America’s Most Wanted Computer Outlaw.” He also covered the computer industry and technology for the New York Times. (Author/Editor/Journalist.)
Date of prediction: January 1, 1990
Topic of prediction: Information Infrastructure
Subtopic: Internet Appliances
Name of publication: New York Times
Title, headline, chapter name: Computer Project Would Speed Data
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://web.lexis-nexis.com/universe/document?_m=57dfe5986590a88efd3e7466eab9b647&_docnum=26&wchp=dGLbVlb-lSlAl&_md5=e31f6cd38824d33915a6e7061c1622b4
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney