Why use Roman numerals?

iMediaTouch_Guy · Post by **iMediaTouch_Guy** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 9:53 pm

This is a question for the TV and movie people. I apologize if this is in the wrong place I didn't know where to put it, but I'd like to know the answer.

Why do some movies and TV shows show their copywright date in Roman numerals? They are so hard to decipher. I'd much rather see 2008 than MMVI (or whatever 2008 is in Roman numerals). Who even uses this ancient system today anyway? And this could also be said for the Super Bowl's use of the same numbering system. It is the 21st centry or at least the last time I checked it was. What next, we do calculations using an abacus? Just an obervation.

Post by **BroadcastDoc** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 9:59 pm

I wonder if it's just one of those "tradition" things...

Post by **NECRAT** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 11:19 pm

That's exactly what it is. They used to use them when movies first came out as a distinctive thing at the end (back when people actually watched the film credits). And it became tradition then.

I think roman numerals are cool to be honest...

Sincerely,

Mike Fitzpatrick

Transmitter Engineer
WPRI Channel XII., WNAC Channel LXIV. =)

Post by **NECRAT** » Thu Jan 10, 2008 11:22 pm

Oh it should be noted that several TV stations in the US use roman numerals in their call signs to identify themselves.

Some examples off the top of my head...

WLVI-TV Boston Channel 56
WCVB-TV Boston (Channel 5(V) Boston)
WTXX Waterbury, CT (TV 20 (XX) )
WXXI-TV Rochester, NY (Ch 21, XXI)

And even a couple of radio stations do as well... WIOV 105 in PA. (Not correct useage however as there is no "0" in roman numerals).

Dave Loudin · Post by **Dave Loudin** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 7:58 am

[head-slap]

One of those hiding in plain sight moments.

Why use Roman numerals?

Why use Roman numerals?

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Re: Why use Roman numerals?