This is an extension of [RayfordSteele]’s excellent idea.

With modern high resolution optics a set of satellites with streaming video could cover the earth (I think the Iridium phone system had planned around 60). To protect privacy resolution would not be high enough to identify individuals. Each satellite channel would have a number of commentators assigned. Curious people like [RayfordSteele] can select a satellite video to watch and a commentator to listen to.

Somewhere in the world there is always a break in the clouds so there is something to see. Commentators could represent different political, financial, environmental or other views. If a satellite only sees cloud cover it can turn its optics to the stars and have an astronomer do the comment. Never miss a solar eclipse again (at least not in your area).

Part of financing could come from companies that show off where their headquarters are; e.g., thin arrow pointing at Atlanta, Georgia, banner at bottom “Here we work hard to make quenching your thirst a pleasure.”
-- kbecker, Jun 28 2004

This started the train of thought http://www.halfbakery.com/idea/WPBS
[kbecker, Oct 04 2004, last modified Oct 05 2004]

If you don't like oceans you can always switch to another channel. Bur even for oceans you super impose thermal profiles and speed of flow. The foam from wafes gives an indication of wind direction and speed. I am sure environmental experts have something to comment about that.
-- kbecker, Jun 28 2004


I think the costs of this far outweigh the returns. Not one sane business person is going to invest in this. There's not enough sex and nudes in this idea.
-- django, Jun 28 2004


It sounds better than anything my spouse watches. [+]
-- ed, Aug 14 2007



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