The rise of satellite pots
Recalling that in the 80s of the last century, a new type of radio appeared in rural China, which was round in shape, like a large pot lid hanging from the eaves, and farmers affectionately called it "satellite pot".
At that time, the rural television signal was very poor, and the screen was often flickering with snowflakes, which was very disappointing.
However, the emergence of the "satellite pot" instantly lit up the eyes of farmers.
As long as you install this cauldron, you can see a clear picture, and all the channels have strong signals.
The "satellite pot" is so effective that farmers are vying to buy it. The most amazing thing is that it is very cheap, you can buy it for one or two hundred yuan for permanent use, which is much more cost-effective than paying for cable TV every year.
A pot can meet the viewing needs of a region, and for a while, people are vying to spread its good reputation.
For the older generation of farmers at that time, the "satellite pot" was not only a television tool, but also an open door to the outside world. They can easily watch TV channels from other provinces and cities and even around the world at home, as if they are traveling all over the world.
The children are also curious about these foreign programs and absorb new things from the outside world. Owning a "satellite pot" has become a pride for many families.
The "satellite pot" quickly swept the countryside and became a special existence in the collective memory of the older generation. It satisfies the needs of the masses for entertainment and information, and also creates a common topic of the era.
There are two sides to any new thing, and while the "satellite pot" brings convenience, it also exposes some problems. But every bit of this story records the memory imprints of rural life in the rapid change.
How the satellite pot works
The "satellite pot" may seem simple, but its internal structure and working principle are complex. It consists of four core components: a bowl-shaped reflector, a signal amplifier feed, a frequency converter high-frequency head, and a signal decoder receiver.
These parts work together to complete the whole process from capturing the signal to converting the output screen.
First of all, the bowl-shaped parabolic reflector acts as an antenna that can accurately align satellite signals. The weak electromagnetic waves are then amplified by the feed, enhancing the signal strength.
Next, the high-frequency head converts the high-frequency signal into a frequency signal that the TV can recognize. Finally, the receiver analyzes and decodes the signal, restores the image and sound signals visible to the human eye, and transmits them to the TV for playback.
If any one part fails, the image will be distorted or even undisplayable. This structure is exquisitely designed, but it can complete the capture, amplification, conversion and decoding of the signal at one time, and realize the wireless transmission of TV signals, which was indeed an innovative solution at that time.
It is this simple and efficient working mode that makes the "satellite pot" a magical electronic product in the memory of the older generation.
The social impact of the popularity of satellite pots
"Satellite pot" is not only an electronic product, but also reflects the social phenomenon of an era. In the 80s of the last century, reform and opening up promoted rural contact with the outside world, and people were eager to learn about the outside world.
The "satellite pot" aptly meets this need and becomes a window for the older generation to connect to the world.
Children can also finally watch foreign shows at home and be inspired by new things. At the same time, the "satellite pot" also became the pride and talk of many families at that time. Inviting relatives and friends to enjoy the "satellite pot" has become a new way to socialize.
However, there are two sides to anything new. The "satellite pot" boom has also exposed problems such as potential safety hazards and uneven product quality. These experiences have made people understand that we should not pursue blindly and remain rational.
The "satellite pot" has become part of the collective memory of the older generation, witnessing the information-hungry side of China's rural society in the process of social transformation. Looking back today, we should not only remember what life was like in those days, but also learn from the lessons Xi how to deal wisely with new technology products.
The reason why the satellite pot was phased out
In the 21st century, the "satellite pot" has gradually withdrawn from people's vision and been replaced by emerging technology products. Its decline is due to the following reasons:
First of all, the rapid popularization of cable TV and Internet TV has provided more choices and directly impacted the market of "satellite pots". People can switch between all kinds of content-rich channels at home, and they are no longer limited to just a few signals.
Second, the way people watch videos has changed, with games and short videos being more popular. The large "satellite pot" limits the flexibility of viewing, and it is not as convenient as watching videos anytime and anywhere on the mobile phone.
In addition, new buildings began to restrict external equipment, and it was difficult to find installation points for large antennas. The "satellite pot" needs to be accurately debugged in an open position, which is no longer in line with modern urban life.
Finally, the Internet age has profoundly changed the way the younger generation is entertained. They can access all kinds of information through their mobile phones and no longer rely on televisions.
It can be said that the withdrawal of the "satellite pot" is inevitable for the development of science and technology. Looking back on this history, we should not only be nostalgic, but also reflect on how to find our place in technological change.
summary
The rise and fall of the "satellite pot" reflects the changes in China's rural life in an era. It used to be the novelty and pride of the older generation, satisfying their thirst for information from the outside world, and also used to be a bridge linking urban and rural areas.
However, with the passage of time, it eventually retreated to the stage of history. What we should Xi learn from and think about is not only to review the collective memory, but also to look at scientific and technological innovation wisely.
We have to face the fact that there are two sides to every new technology. Acknowledging the convenience progress it brings, but also being mindful of the negative effects it may have. We must not believe in superficial phenomena and blindly pursue them.
More importantly, it's important to understand that technology is just a tool, and it's up to us how we use it. It is equally important to establish scientific laws and regulations and strengthen public science and technology education so that the broad masses can become wise citizens of the technological age.
Looking back at the "satellite pot", we not only feel the changes of time, but also actively face this era full of changes. Only by being prepared for danger in times of peace, pioneering and innovating, can we find a place for our generation in the replacement of old and new technologies.