The Machine That Changed the World

The Machine That Changed the World (1992)

EndedDocumentary show

The Machine That Changed the World (1992) (broadcast under the alternative title The Dream Machine in the UK, with different narration) is a 5-episode television series on the history of electronic digital computers. It was written and directed by Nancy Linde, and produced by WGBH Television of Boston, Massachusetts, and the British Broadcasting Corporation. Backers included the Association for Computing Machinery, the National Science Foundation, and the UNISYS Corporation. The first three episodes deal with the history of fully electronic general-purpose digital computers from the ENIAC through desktop microcomputers. The pre-history of such machines is examined in the first episode ("Giant Brains"), and includes a discussion of the contributions of Charles Babbage, Ada Lovelace, Alan Turing, and others. The fourth episode ("The Thinking Machine") explores the topic of artificial intelligence. The fifth episode ("The World at Your Fingertips") explores the then-newly-emerging worldwide networking of computers. All episodes begin and end with a song by Peter Howell, "Stellae matutinae radius exoritur" ("The morning star's ray arises") and are narrated by long-time Frontline narrator Will Lyman.

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Last Episode

The World At Your Fingertips
Season 1Episode 555 min

The World At Your Fingertips

Computer networks, including the Internet, and their global impact on communication and privacy. Interviews: Robert Lucky (AT&T Bell Labs), Dave Hughes, Kathleen Bonner (Trader, Fidelity), George Hayter (Former Head of Trading, London Stock Exchange), Ben Bagdikian (UC Berkeley), Arthur Miller (Harvard Law School), Forman Brown (songwriter, d.1996), Tan Chin Nam (Chairman, National Computer Board of Singapore), B.G. Lee (Minister of Trade and Industry, Singapore), Lee Fook Wah, (Assistant Traffic Manager, MRT Singapore), David Assouline (French Activist, now a senator), Mitch Kapor (founder, Lotus), Michael Drennan (Air traffic controller, Dallas-Fort Worth)
Jan 1, 1992

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E05The World At Your FingertipsJan 1, 1992
S01E04The Thinking MachineJan 1, 1992
S01E03The Paperback ComputerJan 1, 1992
S01E02Inventing the FutureJan 1, 1992
S01E01Great BrainsJan 1, 1992
View all episodesView all seasons

Frequently Asked Questions  Warning: Spoilers

When did 'The Machine That Changed the World' premiere?

'The Machine That Changed the World' premiered on April 14, 1992.

What is the genre of 'The Machine That Changed the World'?

'The Machine That Changed the World' is a documentary series.

Who narrated 'The Machine That Changed the World'?

'The Machine That Changed the World' was narrated by Will Lyman.

How many episodes are there in 'The Machine That Changed the World'?

'The Machine That Changed the World' consists of five episodes.

What is the focus of 'The Machine That Changed the World'?

'The Machine That Changed the World' explores the history and impact of computers and computer technology.

Who produced 'The Machine That Changed the World'?

'The Machine That Changed the World' was produced by WGBH Boston.

What is the runtime of each episode of 'The Machine That Changed the World'?

Each episode of 'The Machine That Changed the World' has a runtime of approximately one hour.

Which episodes of 'The Machine That Changed the World' received critical acclaim?

Several episodes of 'The Machine That Changed the World' received critical acclaim for their in-depth exploration of computer technology and its impact on society.

Who were the main contributors to 'The Machine That Changed the World'?

'The Machine That Changed the World' featured interviews with leading experts, researchers, and pioneers in the field of computer technology.

What are some of the key topics covered in 'The Machine That Changed the World'?

'The Machine That Changed the World' covers topics such as the invention of the computer, the development of software, artificial intelligence, and the impact of computers on various industries and aspects of human life.

Did 'The Machine That Changed the World' receive any awards?

'The Machine That Changed the World' won several awards, including a Peabody Award and an Emmy Award.

How was 'The Machine That Changed the World' received by audiences?

'The Machine That Changed the World' was well-received by audiences and gained a dedicated following for its informative and engaging content.

Did 'The Machine That Changed the World' influence other TV shows or documentaries?

'The Machine That Changed the World' had a significant influence on subsequent TV shows and documentaries that explored the history and impact of technology.

Were there any controversies surrounding 'The Machine That Changed the World'?

'The Machine That Changed the World' did not face any major controversies during its airing.

Is 'The Machine That Changed the World' available for streaming or purchase?

'The Machine That Changed the World' may be available for streaming or purchase on various platforms, depending on your location and the availability of rights.

Is 'The Machine That Changed the World' still relevant today?

'The Machine That Changed the World' remains relevant today as it provides a historical perspective on the development and impact of computer technology, which continues to shape our world.

Also known as

  • The Dream Machine (United Kingdom)

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