Broadcasting; *Vertical Blanking Interval

This basic, entry-level guidebook introduces public Al'broadcasters to videotext or teletext technology and the range of services it can provide. Following an explanation of basic terms and a review of the early history of videotext, a summary of rese4rch findings from commercial and public trials of teletext addresses sups tropics as consumer purchase of decoders, teletext viewing patterns, popular content areas, graphics and waiting time,teletext and education, business data service., and videogame downloading. Current teletext activities in the United States are reviewed,and four levels of involvement are assessed as options for a public broadcasting station: vertical blanking interval (VBI) leisin9; VBI leasing plus retransmission of a teletext signal; VBI leasing and. retransmission of a national or regional teletext signal, plus local origination of a small teletext service; andI leasing plus operating a major teletext service. Final chapters. summarize the Federal Communications Commisrion's rules governing teletext, and offer suggestions for station planning and making decisions about teletext services. Appendices contain a 13-item bibliography and a list of equipment, information, and service resources. (LMM) * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document.