.TV the technology channel (.TV the Technology Channel)

Member Name: fluffypup

Product:	.TV the Technology Channel
Date:	12/10/00 (331 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: latest games, reviews on the best software, hardware, gadgets, practical tutorials, the ‘digital culture’, investigative debates, top tips and reports on the hi-tech and media industry

Disadvantages: Only avaliable on Sky Digital

.TV is a clever and innovative television channel located on channel 567 on Sky Digital. Sky describes this channel as “the first and only UK channel dedicated entirely to new technology as an essential part of everyday life.” Is it any good?

I think it’s excellent. It is very interesting, informative and funny. It has the latest news, reviews, information and advice on everything regarding technology. The channel runs from 12pm to 12am. It has the latest games, reviews on the best software, hardware, gadgets, practical tutorials, the ‘digital culture’, guides to what’s hot and what’s not, investigative debates, top tips and if that wasn’t enough it also has reports on the hi-tech and media industry.

I believe there is something for everyone. It covers all of the following topics: computer games, computer application tutorials, PCs, Internet, the web, gadgets, software, hardware, media etc. The Channel’s format and programming are very simple. The programmes are short ranging from 20mins to 1 hour. Most are repeated twice daily (afternoon and then evening – although this can get annoying). Most programmes have omnibus editions during the weekend, so if you missed your favourite programmes or tutorials you have amble chance of catching up.

The programmes which interest me the most on this channel are “Chips with Everything”, “Masterclass” and “The Buyer’s Guide. My review is based on these three rather than all the programmes on the channel.

‘Chips’, is presented by the lovely Kate Russell along with two experts (usually independent freelance writers, associated within the PC industry) who attempt and succeed in answering technical problems regarding PCs, sound cards, Windows, DOS, graphics cards, computer conflicts, driver patches etc. The show’s format is based on the following “Dear Chips, Kate & Team, ….
”. Kate and the two experts go over the problems sent in (email, fax, letter) by Chips viewers. The show’s length is perfect and lasts 20 minutes giving them ample time to discuss and evaluate three problems. What I find interesting are the same PC based problems cropping up again and again. These are attributed mainly to conflicts caused by sound and graphics cards. Some if not all the problems are relevant to me, and I have experienced in my troublesome times as a PC owner and user. Kate’s very charming approach adds sparkle and humour to the show. The experts, although some are anoraks, provide some good healthy PC advice.

Masterclass is presented by Mr Richard Topping who just happens to be very eccentric and daft but knowledgeable. We get to the stage where we either laugh or cringe at his jokes. The programme is dedicated to some very useful and helpful computering tutorials. Each show Richard runs you through and shows you how to use a particular piece of software. Masterclass continually shows you how to use functions and tools within Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Paint Shop Pro, and FrontPage etc. He picks on one element within a package and runs you through a step-to-step tutorial. These guides or examples have included: adding formulas to spreadsheets, mail merging, web animations, making your own icons, installing web browsers etc. Each programme is repeated twice daily and has an omnibus edition during the weekends. This programme is handy for mixed range of PC abilities, ranging from the novice to the intermediate. Each show lasts 20 minutes, so only a small topic is covered by episode. I watch the programmes (almost religiously) for the odd bit of interesting and useful bit of information. Richard’s style is really great, funny, and doesn’t rush through things. All the tutorials covered by the shows are put on the .tv channel website (http://www.tvchannel.co.uk). Any PC novices should love this show.


The Buyer’s Guide is concerned with highlighting and reviewing the latest games, software and hardware on the market. The show is presented by the very capable Will Hanrahan with Chris Long, covering viewers’ emails, and has an expert journalist from the world of technology, gaming etc. The expert introduces and reviews a few new pieces of technology each episode that is usually a piece of software (game or application) and hardware (e.g. Playstation 2 or a new graphics card). Will acts as always as the sceptic whilst the expert (independent) assesses its performance and characteristics. Chris (who is funny) just introduces people’s stupid and non-relevant emails, which relate nothing to what’s on show, but luckily his segment only lasts 2 minutes.

The other shows that don’t appeal to me or are on at the wrong time of the day, but you may be interested in, are:

Roadtest – show that puts new products to the test (anything from vacuum cleaners to palm computers).

DLX – show all about the Internet and Web (what’s hot and what’s not)

Ex-Machina – show all about the visual entertainment

Game Over – show all about the news, features, tips, previews and reviews of all things game related.

Nexus – meant to be a 21st century game show present by Brian Blessed that looks pretty naff.

I think this channel is excellent. It provides very useful information, help, advice and reviews of the latest software, hardware, gadgets etc. It is solely dedicated to all things technology related. I have an admiration for three programmes on this channel that are Chips with Everything, the Buyer’s Guide and Masterclass. These programmes provide great insights in a light-hearted and packaged format on all issues relating to technology, but mainly PC/Internet based. I love the reviews because they have the key element of independences and also they are ver
y knowledgeable. It has information on all the new software and hardware releases. It teaches me how to use applications, tools and formulas within likes of packages such as Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, Netscape Navigator, Access, FrontPage in an informative and entertaining way. I have learnt how to solve and what areas I need to look for when trying to solve problems relating to the operation of my PC. What makes this channel really good is that everything is relevant and up-to-date – it has to be because it’s technology based and driven! All of which makes this channel very useful. I’m not a dedicated watcher, but when I do watch the programmes I gain a good and enlightened insight and knowledge.

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