Videotex

Videotex refers to a broad range of computer-based telecommunication systems that transmit information, including text and sometimes simple graphics, to specially designed television-like receivers or to standard computer monitors. These systems were popular in the late 1970s and 1980s, offering a digital way to access information and services remotely.

The core concept of Videotex involved a central computer holding a database of information, which users could access via a telephone line and a modem. Users would interact with the system using a keypad or keyboard, navigating through menus and selecting desired content. The information was typically presented in a page-based format, often with limited color palettes and block graphics.

Key examples of Videotex systems include Prestel in the United Kingdom, Minitel in France, and Telidon in Canada. These services provided a variety of content, such as news, weather forecasts, banking, shopping, travel reservations, and electronic mail. They represented an early form of online interactivity and information retrieval before the widespread adoption of the internet.

While Videotex systems were successful in their time, offering a glimpse into the potential of digital communication, they were eventually superseded by the internet. The internet's more flexible architecture, richer multimedia capabilities, and decentralized nature made it a more powerful and versatile platform. However, the legacy of Videotex lies in its pioneering role in bringing information access and digital services into homes and businesses.