06 Television

06 Television

Television-----the most pervasive（弥漫性的，渗透性的） and persuasive(有说服力的，使人信服的) of modern technologies, marked by rapid change and growth-is moving into a new era, an era of extraordinary（非凡的） sophistication and versatility(多功能性), which promises to reshape our lives and our world. It is an electronic revolution of sorts(各种各样的), made possible by the marriage of television and computer technologies.

The word "television", derived¹ from its Greek (tele: distant) and Latin (visio: sight) roots, can literally² be interpreted as sight from a distance. Very simply put, it works in this way: through a sophisticated system of electronics, television provides the capability³ of converting an image (focused on a special photoconductive plate within a camera) into electronic impulses(刺激，推动力), which can be sent through a wire or cable. These impulses, when fed into a receiver (television set), can then be electronically reconstituted into that same image.

Television is more than just an electronic system, however. It is a means of expression, as well as a vehicle for communication, and as such becomes a powerful tool for reaching other human beings.

The field of television can be divided into two categories determined⁴ by its means of transmission. First, there is broadcast television, which reaches the masses through broad-based airwave transmission of television signals. Second, there is nonbroadcast television, which provides for the needs of individuals or specific interest groups through controlled transmission techniques.

Traditionally, television has been a medium of the masses. We are most familiar with broadcast television because it has been with us for about thirty-seven years in a form similar to what exists today. During those years, it has been controlled, for the most part, by the broadcast networks, ABC, NBC, and CBS, who have been the major purveyors(承办商)of news, information, and entertainment. These giants of broadcasting have actually shaped not only television but our perception(感觉) of it as well. We have come to look upon the picture tube as a source of entertainment, placing our role in this dynamic medium as the passive viewer.(我们作为被动的观众把我们的角色溶入这种动态的媒体，我们已经开始把显像管看做一种娱乐的资源。)

1 derived   

vi.起源；由来；衍生；导出v.得到( derive的过去式和过去分词 )；（从…中）得到获得；源于；（从…中）提取

参考例句：

• Many English words are derived from Latin and Greek. 英语很多词源出于拉丁文和希腊文。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• He derived his enthusiasm for literature from his father. 他对文学的爱好是受他父亲的影响。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 literally   

adv.照字面意义，逐字地；确实

参考例句：

• He translated the passage literally.他逐字逐句地翻译这段文字。
• Sometimes she would not sit down till she was literally faint.有时候，她不走到真正要昏厥了，决不肯坐下来。

3 capability   

n.能力；才能；(pl)可发展的能力或特性等

参考例句：

• She has the capability to become a very fine actress.她有潜力成为杰出演员。
• Organizing a whole department is beyond his capability.组织整个部门是他能力以外的事。

4 determined   

adj.坚定的；有决心的

参考例句：

• I have determined on going to Tibet after graduation.我已决定毕业后去西藏。
• He determined to view the rooms behind the office.他决定查看一下办公室后面的房间。