GET A UNIVERSITY DEGREE WITHOUT LEAVING HOME 

We have entered the era not of the "Haves and Have-nots" but of the "Knows and the Know-nots".

A prime example: Satellite dish owners versus non-cable and even cable customers.

For those able to acquire a satellite dish, (now running from a low of slightly under $1,500 to upwards of $10,000 for a very sophisticated installation) the new access to information and knowledge is awe inspiring. And, we are not just talking entertainment. Back in the good old days of 1980 TV meant 80 percent entertainment, 10 percent sports and 10 percent news and public affairs. Not so with today's mix off the satellites. Entertainment now is approaching 50 percent, news 20 percent, with sports constant at 10 percent. But a new information category has appeared with a starting portion of about 20 percent. The implications inherent in this change in our electronic diet are enormous.

Already in the planning stage are 300 additional satellites that will be launched world-wide during the next 10 years. Almost all will have at least the 24 transponders or channels (electronic reflecting 'mirrors') now in use on each satellite. Some scheduled for later launches will already have been increased to 36. Future capacity per satellite is unknown. In Vancouver by the time Expo 86 opened viewers were able to receive 200 channels. Another 200 channels for the 1990's doesn't seem unreasonable. One prediction calls for 5,000 transponders for teleconferencing alone by the start of the third millenium. If you are considering the purchase of a satellite system make sure you get one that can handle a "two degree window". That's the trade term for a dish that won't be getting 'double-exposures' as the satellites are moved closer together in the Clarke Belt at 22,300 miles altitude over the equator.

The latest big move in the heavens is towards education. Canada's west coast province of British Columbia offers a university degree via their Knowledge Network satellite and the "Distance Learning" section of their "Open Learning Institute". Anyone, so motivated, can get a degree at home. The cost of a dish won't exceed what the average student pays today for just one year's living costs and tuition in any university town. (Also distractions found on campus are minimized at home). In the U.S. "The Learning Channel", after studying the B.C. plan, is operational and now sends out their own signal to all North America via Satcom F3, Transponder 16 between 3 a.m. and 1 p.m. seven days a week. "Learn Alaska" on Aurora (F-5) Tr 20 beams down between 5 a.m. and 8 p.m. also 7 days a week. All above times are PST. Reception in most Vancouver areas is excellent. The Professional Education Network is slated to appear later next year.

The trend is a definite leaning towards "electronic learning" as opposed to the costly present traditional mode of education. Some are not going to like this!

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