Based on the notion that technological and artistic developments in the area of television production affect viewers' comprehension and appreciation of televised programs, this essay examines the impact of telecommunication advances on the industry. The first section briefly considers the technological advances of the last decade in major TV production units such as cameras, lights, audio, switchers and recorders, 3-D video, cable TV, and direct satellite broadcasting. The second section discusses the application of these technologies to such key TV programming formats as newscasts, music videos, and interview or talk shows. Potential covert effects of such programs are discussed in terms of viewers' total awareness, comprehension, and appreciation of the programs' visual content when these technologies are overused. The third section provides information on future directions in TV production hardware development, underlining the potential consequences developments might have on information and entertainment programs. Finally, this section suggests that publication of scientific research on television production related variables and the direct involvement of academicians in the television industry might help researchers better to understand and control future trends in television production development. Three pages of references are included. (JD)