Genre Computing Original language(s) English Narrated by Paul Vaughan | Country of origin UK Original network BBC | |
Original release March 31, 1978 (1978-03-31) | ||
Now the Chips are Down is a 1978 television documentary about the importance and influence of microprocessors within the British economy. It was aired by the BBC as part of its Horizon series.
Contents
The programme was instrumental in raising general awareness within the UK about microprocessors.
Synopsis
The documentary is a report on the "applications and implications" of microprocessors to employment within the British economy.
Production
The documentary was produced by BBC Television as part of its 1978 Horizon series. It was narrated by British radio and television presenter Paul Vaughan.
Reception
Science historian Robert M. Young wrote in 1981 that the programme played an "important part" in raising awareness about microprocessors within government and the general public.
Consequences
Britain's lagging place in the worldwide technology race was widely acknowledged after the documentary was screened. The UK government launched the Microelectronics Education Programme in 1981, with a budget of more than £10 million. This included nationwide discounts on computers to schools and colleges, and was followed by government backing of the BBC's Computer Literacy Project. Funding for related education schemes continued until 1988.