[Wired In raw #6: Las Vegas CES #6]

Raw footage for "Wired In," a never completed series on the technological trends and innovations of the 1980s. This tape features footage from the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in 1982. CES #6.

00:00Copy video clip URL This tape begins with color bars and room audio.

00:43Copy video clip URL Cut to footage from within the convention hall. The camera operator continues to document the event.

01:08Copy video clip URL A Texas Instruments representative takes the videomakers through a demo of the TexNet program. The representative has the computer utilize its text-to-speech application. The representatives gives a brief presentation about the Texas Instruments Personal Computer. The device is hooked up to a database via a telephone line. The software is contained in solid state modules that can be manually installed and removed. The rep states that the consumer doesn’t need any computer knowledge whatsoever to use this computer. He also talks about the device and how it caters to the handicapped. The camera operator then gathers more footage from around the area. This lasts for several minutes.

10:31Copy video clip URL Cut to footage of convention attendees demoing Texas Instruments’ “Speak and Math” and “Speak and Spell” simulators. One of the videomakers takes a shot at the “Speak and Spell” and gets a little frustrated with the machine. The camera operator continues to gather footage from around the event.

13:50Copy video clip URL Cut to footage of a dial-up computer/telephone. The videomakers demo the device. This lasts for several minutes.

15:54Copy video clip URL Cut to footage of a section of the convention hall where a group is fighting for the right to tape material off-the-air for private use. An advocate speaks with the videomakers about the issue. Congress had just made the taping of programs off of television for private use illegal. The group is supporting two different pieces of legislation in hopes to reverse the law. When the rep is asked if she has ever felt like a criminal, she responds, “Never. You know, at what point does the consumer own the airwaves?  And I think that at some point in the life of Congress they may have to answer.” The camera operator then gathers footage of representatives logging comments made by consumers about the issue. This lasts for the remainder of the tape.

22:51Copy video clip URL Tape ends.