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RETRO TECH: ‘90s smart TV controlled by ray gun promised greater interaction

This amazing device was ahead of its time!

RETRO TECH: ‘90s smart TV controlled by ray gun promised greater interaction

This amazing device was ahead of its time!

You're sitting at home bored with MTV and suddenly overcome with financial guilt. It's time to pay your bills. Welcome to Interactive Television. I can pay the electric bill. I can send Sears some money. Now we go to the pay screen and this is how I get to select how I want to pay the bill. Developed by *** Virginia company. Interactive TV is controlled by *** small sending unit that looks like *** ray gun and *** computer box that looks like *** VCR. Together the system will 4 to $500. Interactive video is really the first instance where we are beginning to see computers and television technology merge. I can go ahead and click the trigger and I'll get an order screen for that person's latest available record with two way TV. Homeowners will be able to buy everything from airline tickets to groceries without getting off the couch. But frankly, that's the boring part. One, potential option, sports junkies are bound to love will be helping their home team pick the next play. Fans could simply vote for *** variety of options up on the screen and then watch as their choice is conveyed. Instantly to the coach on the field participant in the programming is *** tremendous leap forward for television. And that's really the next big development. And we're working with networks and, uh, national programmers to make that *** reality two way TV could begin showing up in homes in about *** year and 20 million users are projected by 1995. And just remember when you vote, you like our new show best in Washington, Mike goldfein WTAE Four News.
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RETRO TECH: ‘90s smart TV controlled by ray gun promised greater interaction

This amazing device was ahead of its time!

Smart TVs are everywhere now, but the concept was unheard of in 1991. Then the TVAnswer was unveiled.This retro device was one of the first combinations of computers and television. It was all about increasing the interactions between viewers and their favorite programs.Its remote control looked like a ray gun. It could be used to pay bills or even shop online, all from the comfort of your floral-printed couch. (Remember those? They were all the rage...somehow.)The reporter said that was the boring part. WATCH the video to see how TVAnswer hoped to let sports fans help pick plays for their favorite team!If you enjoyed this story, here are a few more blasts from the past.RETRO FIND: Before Redbox, these ATM-like machines dispensed movies 24/7Blockbuster who? The CineVault video rental machine brought the convenience of 24-hour movie rentals right to your fingertips.RETRO TECH: Do you remember the first home computers from the ‘70s?The first home computers to hit the market were not cheap. They cost nearly $8,000 in today’s money! They came with a nifty briefcase, though. Check out the video!RETRO FINDS: Remember these video games from 1980?Technology has come a long way since 1980, but at the time, these video games were the best you could get! Do you remember any of these?

Smart TVs are everywhere now, but the concept was unheard of in 1991. Then the TVAnswer was unveiled.

This retro device was one of the first combinations of computers and television. It was all about increasing the interactions between viewers and their favorite programs.

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Its remote control looked like a ray gun. It could be used to pay bills or even shop online, all from the comfort of your floral-printed couch. (Remember those? They were all the rage...somehow.)

The reporter said that was the boring part.

WATCH the video to see how TVAnswer hoped to let sports fans help pick plays for their favorite team!


If you enjoyed this story, here are a few more blasts from the past.

RETRO FIND: Before Redbox, these ATM-like machines dispensed movies 24/7

Blockbuster who? The CineVault video rental machine brought the convenience of 24-hour movie rentals right to your fingertips.

RETRO TECH: Do you remember the first home computers from the ‘70s?

The first home computers to hit the market were not cheap. They cost nearly $8,000 in today’s money! They came with a nifty briefcase, though. Check out the video!

RETRO FINDS: Remember these video games from 1980?

Technology has come a long way since 1980, but at the time, these video games were the best you could get! Do you remember any of these?