"CeeFax" is a British teletext service that was run by the BBC. The spelling of the word can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as follows: [siːfæks]. This phonetic transcription indicates that the word is made up of two syllables. The first syllable is pronounced like the letter "C", followed by a long "E" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound, and ends with a "ks" sound. When spoken quickly, the word sounds like "see-fax".
Ceefax was a teletext information service that was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1974 and provided viewers with up-to-date news, weather, sports scores, television listings, and other types of information. It was delivered via the analogue television signal and displayed on the teletext feature of compatible TV sets.
Ceefax allowed users to access various pages of information through a numbered system. By entering the corresponding three-digit page number on their television remote control, viewers could quickly navigate to the desired information. The service was constantly updated, ensuring that users had access to the latest news and data.
One of the notable features of Ceefax was its simplicity. The information was presented on a basic and easy-to-read interface, typically consisting of white text on a black background. The service didn't rely on internet connectivity, making it accessible to a wide range of viewers.
Ceefax became one of the most popular teletext services in the world, with millions of viewers relying on it for a variety of purposes, from catching up on news to checking sports results. However, as digital television and internet services became more prevalent in the early 2000s, Ceefax eventually became obsolete. It was discontinued in October 2012, marking the end of an era in teletext broadcasting.
The word "Ceefax" is derived from the combination of two elements: "Cee-" and "fax".
- The "Cee" in Ceefax stands for "see", referring to the visual aspect or display of the information.
- The "fax" in Ceefax is short for "facsimile", which refers to the transmission or reproduction of detailed images or text.
Together, "Cee" and "fax" form Ceefax, a name that highlights the visual transmission of information. Ceefax was a British teletext system developed by the BBC and provided textual information and graphics to television viewers in the UK.