The Screen Savers Kevin Rose Alex Albrecht - Bai Ling Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow

with Cat Schwartz
00:00 Intro
12:25 Bai Ling - Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
27:23 Raymond Herrera - Drummer, Fear Factory
The Screen Savers was a popular technology-focused television program that aired in the late 1990s and early 2000s, primarily on the cable channel ZDTV, which later became TechTV. The show became a cornerstone for tech enthusiasts, offering a mix of tech news, product reviews, how-tos, and interviews with industry experts.
Here’s an overview of the show’s history:
Early Days: ZDTV (1998-2000)
Launch of ZDTV:
The show premiered on May 11, 1998, as part of the lineup on ZDTV, a technology-focused cable channel created by Ziff-Davis.
Original Hosts:
The original hosts were Leo Laporte and Kate Botello. They offered a blend of humor, tech expertise, and accessible information, making the show appealing to both tech-savvy viewers and casual fans.
Content and Format:
The Screen Savers featured live demonstrations, tech support calls, software recommendations, and segments on the latest gadgets and internet trends. Its goal was to make technology understandable and fun for a broad audience.
Transition to TechTV (2001-2004)
ZDTV Becomes TechTV:
In 2000, ZDTV was rebranded as TechTV after being acquired by Vulcan Ventures, a company owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. The rebranding aimed to broaden the network’s appeal while keeping a focus on technology.
New Hosts and Changes: Over time, the show saw new hosts, including Patrick Norton (who replaced Kate Botello), Kevin Rose, Martin Sargent, Sarah Lane, and others. These changes brought fresh perspectives while retaining the show’s tech-centric ethos.
Tech Enthusiast Community:
During this era, The Screen Savers became a gathering place for the emerging online tech community. The show’s mix of live interaction, technical advice, and camaraderie among the hosts attracted a loyal fan base.
Innovative Segments:
The show was known for segments like “Dark Tip” by Kevin Rose, which highlighted tech hacks and tricks, and “Site of the Night,” where interesting websites were showcased.
The G4 Merger and Decline (2004-2005)
TechTV and G4 Merger: In 2004, TechTV merged with G4, a network focused on video games and youth-oriented content. The merger led to significant changes, including staff layoffs and programming shifts.
Revamped Show:
The Screen Savers was renamed Attack of the Show! in 2005. The new format retained some of the original tech elements but shifted focus toward pop culture, video games, and entertainment, alienating many of the show’s original tech-oriented fans.
End of an Era:
The G4 iteration marked the end of The Screen Savers as it was originally known. While Attack of the Show! became popular in its own right, it was no longer the tech-centric program that had defined TechTV.
Legacy and Revivals
TechTV Alumni:
After the show ended, many of the original hosts and contributors went on to successful careers in media and technology. Leo Laporte, for instance, founded the TWiT network (This Week in Tech), which became a leading podcast network for tech news and analysis.
Revival Attempts:
In 2014, a show called The New Screen Savers was launched by Leo Laporte’s TWiT network. It was a spiritual successor to the original, featuring a mix of old and new hosts, with a similar format focused on tech news and product reviews. This revival ran until 2018.
Cultural Impact
The Screen Savers holds a special place in the hearts of tech enthusiasts who grew up in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The show played a key role in educating people about emerging technologies, fostering a sense of community among early internet users, and making tech approachable during a time when the digital revolution was just gaining steam.
The show also served as a springboard for tech personalities who went on to influence tech journalism, podcasts, and digital media.
Overall, The Screen Savers remains a nostalgic touchstone for many, representing a unique moment in tech media history where curiosity, community, and innovation intersected in a way that inspired a generation of tech enthusiasts.

[@kristovj827]

Yo is this upscaled via AI? Fascinating!

[@danjbab]

Thanks for commenting! I used Topaz Labs Video AI to upscale it from a heavily compressed, very low quality recording I did back in 2004.