In telecommunication, a viewdata is a Videotex implementation, a type of information-retrieval service in which a subscriber can (a) access a remote database via a common carrier channel, (b) request data, and (c) receive requested data on a video display over a separate channel.

Viewdata is still in use today in the United Kingdom, mainly by the travel industry. Travel agents use it to look up the price and availablity of package holidays and flights, once they find what the customer is looking for they can place a booking. Originally Viewdata was accessed with a special purpose terminal, today it is normally accessed over TCP/IP using Viewdata client software on a personal computer running Microsoft Windows.

The travel industry is trying to move away from Viewdata to a Web based standard. There are a number of factors holding up a move to the Web. Travel consultants have been trained to use Viewdata, they would need training to book holidays on the Internet and the tour operators can't agree on a Web based standard.

Note: The access, request, and reception are usually via common carrier broadcast channels. Contrast with teletext.

See also

• Prestel

This text was originally based on Federal Standard 1037C