Forum Archive Index - September 2001

[Greg <g&jelliott@xtra.co.nz>]

Title: Re: [sharechat] The current status of Teletext.

When I was living in Oz a year ago, you could hire a computer keyboard and box device at the video shop, which they said let you access the internet from tv. The keyboard sat on you lap and spoke to the tv via Infra-red. Maybe they were pulling my leg - I never tried it.

Bring on digital tv where you have a computer plus. The computing power could be via a chip in your tv and the applications software via the net. Plus you always have tv available whether in a screen segment, behind the text or whatever. The technology we're all using today is so basic and limiting, and you need separate devices all over the house (ph/fax/computer/copier/tv/video etc). Its time to integrate these technologies into the one box! You can already get a glimpse of this with a broadband connection by watching small segments of tv on your computer - but the screen is too small.

SKY offer a few extra channels, and a clearer picture if you have a digital connection (even better via a hi-res screen). But where are the companies which integrate the computer and telly? That would be worth investing in (surprised Microsoft aren't already there).

Greg E.
> From: Adam Rands <adamlist@iguana2.com>
> Reply-To: sharechat@sharechat.co.nz
> Date: Mon, 03 Sep 2001 11:36:06 +1000
> To: sharechat@sharechat.co.nz
> Subject: Re: [sharechat] The current status of Teletext.

> Isn't it amazing
>
> People think Teletext is great.
>
> Why? 
>
> The web offers a whole lot more information (especially in the finance/news area) than the Teletext service and its far more interactive.
>
> So what makes Teletext so compelling?
>
> Its the delivery mechanism!
>
> The PC has been widely available for about 10 years but it still does not have anywhere near the penetration of the TV. The PC is still a difficult piece of equipment to operate whilst  most people can easily operate a TV. 
>
> Replicating the Teletext sharemarket service on the web would be very simple. Iguana could easily develop a web service that rotates delayed prices at the same frustratingly slow rate as Teletext.. But would anyone use it?..... My guess is no... Why... because it is not delivered via the TV
>
> Another interesting thing to note about Teletext is the number of advertisers they attract. When I last looked at Teletext (about a year ago) they always had their sharemarket service sponsored by XYZ broking firm or finance company.
>
> Try convincing the very same companies to advertise online! In most cases they don't want to know about it. Net based advertising is a much more attractive proposition than Teletext. 
> There is far more opportunity to get your message across, you can actually click to go to the advertisers page and its the most accountable advertising medium available. (Try asking Teletext/TVNZ or any old school publisher for accurate stats on the number of people who viewed an ad)
>
> Why is it that companies still choose to advertise on Teletext and not on the web?
>
> Because its the TV and that's all the advertiser and the ad agencies understand. 
>
> So... What has this got to do with shares....Think SKY TV.
>
> If SKY TV ever actually manage to get their Interactive TV services off the ground they maybe able to establish a significant new revenue stream.
>
>
> Adam Rands
>
> At 10:19 AM 3/09/2001, michael gore wrote:
> > Yes Gerry, I too think that Teletext is great but only when it is working properly.  I will be looking forward to reading the email from Teletext. 
> Michael ----- Original Message ----- From: G Stolwyk <mailto:stolwyk@wave.co.nz>  To: sharechat.co.nz <mailto:sharechat@sharechat.co.nz>  Sent: Monday, September 03, 2001 11:53 AM Subject: [sharechat] The current status of Teletext.
>
>  Reference: " Teletext and the 40 index." of 1 April 2001.  1. Introduction. Teletext is useful because one can look quickly at a vast array of share prices, while watching TV.  Updates appear every 10 minutes or so and the investor does not have to contact his/ her broker, trying to find out the latest price of a stock, before placing an order.  Frequently, the quoted price may not be satisfactory and he may have to contact the broker again for a further update.  Or, he feels that he should not worry the broker too often and he places an order at the wrong time.  He does not want to switch on his computer - if he has one - for extracting a share price. To do so will contribute to higher power usage and depreciation and should be avoided.  2. Past delivery by Teletext. I have been in touch with Teletext over the years. First, when there was a financial editor who was stationed in Christchurch.  I had to implore him to include a new company at listing time as this was the time when fortunes could be made or lost.  ( Frequently, the reader did not see the stock on the Teletext Board till some six hours after listing by the Stock exchange or the next day or later, and then only after I mentioned it ).  Later, the responsibilities were shifted to Auckland. For a time, the delivery was satisfactory although Teletext was still not proactive in the preparation of space for a new listing.  Some time ago, breakdowns became more frequent and I contacted them again. Teletext explained that there was new equipment on the way and that would solve the problems.  Summary: The teletext system, when working, will save a lot of money. I have spent time and money contacting them from time to time. I don't think that Teletext was sufficiently aware of any financial costs incurred due to malfunction or inattention.      3. Latest developments. I contacted Teletext this morning and asked the Business Manager about the ongoing problems.  After some discussion, she said that she would send an email . She is aware that it will be published on this Forum.  Gerry