Researchers who study television's cultivation effects believe that heavy television viewing exposes people to consistent messages that lead them to be more fearful and mistrustful of others. The widespread adoption and use of new television technologies, such as cable, VCR, and remote control devices (RCD), however, have the potential to alter cultivation effects, because new television technologies allow for greater programming diversity and greater viewer control. Two studies were conducted to test the impact of cable, VCRs, and RCDs on fear of crime and interpersonal mistrust. Both studies were random-digit-dialed telephone surveys of adults in two United States cities (the first study involving 152 people, and the second 615). Results found mixed support for the study's hypotheses. Cable television had a differential impact on cultivation effects. Increased exposure to broadcast-type channels was linked to greater cultivation. On the other hand, increased exposure to more specialized and diverse cable channels was negatively related to cultivation perceptions. VCR ownership also was linked to less cultivation. Findings suggest that mass communication researchers should continue to explore the impact of new television technologies on traditional media effects. (Three tables of data and 43 references are attached.) (Author/SR)