Apart from deteriorating programme standards TV is more or less the same as it was in the 1930s. True we now only use 10% of the hardware to deliver far better quality pictures and sound, but TV is still a passive experience. So why all the fuss about digital, won't that be just more of the same? Believe me, Digital TV is not about better pictures and sound, it is about the addition of a hard drive, processing power, internet connection, and interfaces that allow us to interact. Time shifting programmes, purchasing content off-air, surfing the net, email, vastly more choice, voice and keyboard I/O, and audience participation are just the tip of the digital iceberg.

Today we try (usually in vein) to pre-program the VHS to capture some future sporting event or movie, but with Digital TV we will be able to relax in the knowledge that it has been automatically stored on the hard drive. We will also be able to buy video, audio and software products through direct download. Hear some music on an advert - just buy it direct at the press of a button. See a movie advertised during the day - decide to purchase, and automatically download overnight. The same will be true of computer and TV based games and software, but it won't stop there! Digital TV will revolutionise on-line shopping - see something on a travel, concert preview, chat, interview, gardening or cookery programme and just point and click to buy. All to be automatically arranged and items delivered the next day direct to home, or for local collection.

So, what else will digital TV bring? How about programme participation by voting on the performance of some contestant, the next twist in a story, or the outcome of some computer game? Or you may wish to choose your camera position at Wimbledon, The Olympic Games or Rugby World Series. Not to mention the ability to zoom-in/out, or simultaneously show ten or more channels on the screen at once. Of course there are numerous novel applications such as the continuous and changing display of family digital photo album, background picture gallery showing the old masters, or an artificial aquarium, log fire - the list is endless.

All of this has been demonstrated with the technology we have available today, and it is ready to enter the market. For users the good news is; all of the facilities can be realised with a near standard TV controller. And the really good news? Voice control also looks to be a winner too - so it should be possible to just talk to the TV - get me, find me, show, stop, start, buy, should become workable commands. But with the addition of a keyboard Digital TV stands ready to eclipse the PC as the primary access port to the web. What relief this may bring, and what a boon to the human race, no more 'control-alt-delete.' I just don't want to be able to hear the cooling fan and hard drive spinning in the background….