Describes video display terminals which are used to capture and preserve the ideas of writers, to translate them into a language appropriate to a computer, and to give the journalist more complete control of the way a story will appear in print. (JM)

Discusses technological research efforts by the Research and Development Department of the British Library in the areas of videotex, videodisc, and teleconferencing, noting the videotex service known as Prestel and the department's network project, called BLEND (Birmingham and Loughborough Electronic Network Development). (EJS)

This paper describes some of the advances in telecommunications technology that can be anticipated during the 1980's in the areas of computer and component technologies, computer influences on telecommunications systems and services, communications terminals, transmission and switching systems, and local distribution. Specific topics covered…