At the same time the technological world is giving moviegoers all kinds of other entertainment options, there has been an increase in the quality of really great serial television - both broadcast and cable. That is giving audiences the kind of character development that they feel is missing from so many Hollywood blockbusters, which are overly concerned with special effects.

It was a natural thing for me to nominate Edwards for an honorary degree and invite him to come to ASU. He was very responsive.

This allows us to claim intellectual property to sell, so it greases the skids for licensing. The technology needs to get out of the lab and into the factory to reduce costs. It will take a commercial product that makes money for the technology to have a positive effect on society. It's got to go commercial.

Edwards is a major figure in radio, TV and film, as a writer, producer and a director. He is also a painter and a sculptor. There is no one quite like him in his generation.