HISTORY OF TELETEXT
Teletext was one of the most influential broadcast technologies of the 20th century, I think. Born from some really clever engineering, it brought the information age into homes decades before the internet. People forget how groundbreaking this stuff was, you know?
1970s: THE EARLY DAYS
BBC engineers developed the Ceefax system between 1972 and 1974. ITV followed with ORACLE, which stood for Optional Reception of Announcements by Coded Line Electronics in 1974. A bit of a mouthful, that. Both used spare lines in the TV signal to transmit text and simple graphics. Proper innovation.
1980s: THE GOLDEN AGE
Teletext absolutely exploded in popularity during the 80s. TV manufacturers started including teletext decoders as standard, and the pages expanded to include games like Bamboozle!, holidays, recipe of the day, all sorts. It became a household staple. Everybody used it, didn't they?
1990s: COMPETITION ARRIVES
Obviously the internet began to compete for attention, but teletext remained popular for its speed and reliability. ITV's ORACLE was replaced by Teletext Ltd. Interactive services expanded too: betting, shopping, all of that. It was holding its own.
2000s: THE FINAL YEARS
As digital TV grew, analogue teletext faced its end. The UK's digital switchover meant the death of traditional teletext, sadly. Ceefax transmitted its final page on 23 October 2012. A grim day.
THE LEGACY LIVES ON
Digital teletext services continue on some platforms, but the original charm of those blocky graphics and page-flipping? That's been preserved in projects like QFAX, keeping the aesthetic alive for new generations. And for me, that's really important. You shouldn't forget where this stuff came from.
RELIVE THE NOSTALGIA
QFAX brings back the teletext experience for modern football fans. Live scores on PAGE 316, Vidiprinter on PAGE 350, and On This Day on PAGE 381. Download now and step back in time.
