ZDTV - the marrying of two media's

Most folks who have cable have inevitably at one point or another stumbled across ZDTV. In their own words:

"ZDTV is the 24-hour cable television channel about computing, technology, and the Internet. Devoted to providing its viewers the latest on the digital lifestyle, ZDTV produces original television programming with simultaneous content on its fully integrated companion website, ZDTV.com."

Many channels, like PBS and Bloomsberg, have run various programs about the Internet. Specials crop up here and there about various new computer or Internet technologies. However, this is the first channel to be completely dedicated to computers, technology and the Internet. ZDTV is to technology what MTV was back in the early 80's to music. (Yes folks, there was a time when MTV actually played music.) or CNN is to the "latest breaking news, on the hour every hour".

ZDTV hit the waves May 6, 1997, nearly three years ago. Even from the beginning, ZDTV had a strong focus in helping to integrate television with computers and the Internet.

Currently, ZDTV is owned by Paul Allen's Vulcan Ventures. However, it still owes its namesake, "ZD", to Ziff-Davis, a media and marketing company who sold ZDTV to Vulcan in November of 1999. Ziff-Davis is known for their site, ZDNet.com, which is an absolutely wonderful site for information on the latest computer technology and programs. Many go there to download software and get reviews on the latest and greatest.

A typical ZDTV day is filled with helpful tips and previews to upcoming changes and products. Amazingly, the shows are able to please both novice and expert in the computer and Internet fields. All the shows are interactive in some way, be it directly on air or via the web though chats, polls, and message boards. Each show that they run has it's own website that compliments the information provided on the show.

[Show descriptions provided by ZDTV. Commentary by yours truly.]

Call for Help: Hands-on help will solve your computer problems at home and at work. Call, email, and netcam your questions in to host Leo Laporte.
(Car: I remember one episode where they explained virtual vs. actual memory using Tyco blocks. Of course, as usual with trying to get those blocks to fit together, the host had a hell of a time. But his point was dead on!)

Digital Avenue: Experience in-depth demonstrations featuring the latest products, presented directly by the manufacturer and hosted by Tom Benemann.

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