August Gem
The Radio
Overcome by fog on an exceptionally cloudy day, the pinnacle of the tower extended beyond range of sight.
For far back enough into time to span my entire life, radio broadcasting has been an integral part of civilized life. While digital technology is finally finding ways to replace the radio in many regards, this service is still heavily utilized. Enjoying music while driving down the road, getting updated on the news, or allowing a very talkative individual tell oneself about the latest sports game has long been done by use of the radio. Stories of when a parent or grandparent used to gather with the family to hear the exciting adventures of their favorite radio program are a reminder of the endurance of this medium.
Interestingly, prior to the radio, several places in Europe had a similar system that utilized the telephone to spread audio for the sake of entertainment. There was the English Electrophone, the French Théâtrophone, and the Telefon Hírmondó in Hungary. In their own manner, these services broadcasted audio around using telephone technology. This idea truly carried potential, and, if it was not for the radio and its immense possibilities, perhaps, an Electrophone or some similar device would be in most people's homes today.
The different telephone relaying services all had their own varying uses but were used primarily for listening to live theatre and operas without needing to be present. The Electrophone even relayed Sunday church services to those who sought to hear the week's sermon. That idea certainly found its way onto the radio as well.
The French Théâtrophone actually originated as part of the first two-channel audio system, relaying audio from in front of an opera stage to be listened to in a stereo fashion.
Such levels of ingenuity have not ceased to affect human lives and culture. Internet radio, blogs, podcasts, television, and an immense amount of other video and audio services have become essential aspects of life in many civilized cultures. The opportunities that have been opened are astounding to imagine.
The Radio
Overcome by fog on an exceptionally cloudy day, the pinnacle of the tower extended beyond range of sight.
For far back enough into time to span my entire life, radio broadcasting has been an integral part of civilized life. While digital technology is finally finding ways to replace the radio in many regards, this service is still heavily utilized. Enjoying music while driving down the road, getting updated on the news, or allowing a very talkative individual tell oneself about the latest sports game has long been done by use of the radio. Stories of when a parent or grandparent used to gather with the family to hear the exciting adventures of their favorite radio program are a reminder of the endurance of this medium.
Interestingly, prior to the radio, several places in Europe had a similar system that utilized the telephone to spread audio for the sake of entertainment. There was the English Electrophone, the French Théâtrophone, and the Telefon Hírmondó in Hungary. In their own manner, these services broadcasted audio around using telephone technology. This idea truly carried potential, and, if it was not for the radio and its immense possibilities, perhaps, an Electrophone or some similar device would be in most people's homes today.
The different telephone relaying services all had their own varying uses but were used primarily for listening to live theatre and operas without needing to be present. The Electrophone even relayed Sunday church services to those who sought to hear the week's sermon. That idea certainly found its way onto the radio as well.
The French Théâtrophone actually originated as part of the first two-channel audio system, relaying audio from in front of an opera stage to be listened to in a stereo fashion.
Such levels of ingenuity have not ceased to affect human lives and culture. Internet radio, blogs, podcasts, television, and an immense amount of other video and audio services have become essential aspects of life in many civilized cultures. The opportunities that have been opened are astounding to imagine.