Antitrust suit filed to block Primestar purchase

Article Abstract:

The Justice Department filed a suit in the US District Court in Washington, DC, to halt Primestar's $1.1 billion purchase of a satellite slot for high-powered satellite TV, which is owned by MCI and News Corp. This direct-broadcast satellite (DBS) represents the lone direct alternative to cable TV. Primestar, a satellite-TV partnership led by the leading US cable-TV companies, would offer the last available DBS slot to those companies, according to the government. The anticompetitive move would eventually result in higher rates and strengthen the cable monopoly, according to Joel Klein, assistant attorney general for antitrust. Consumer advocates welcomed the Justice Department's suit, while the cable companies promised legal action. MCI and News Corp purchased the satellite slot in a 1996 FCC auction, but chose to negotiate with the cable companies after the 1997 collapse of an affiliation with direct-broadcast satellite company Echostar Communications.

Telephone communications, exc. radio, Satellite Telecommunications, Satellite TV Communications, Cases, Telecommunications regulations, Internet services, Cable television broadcasting industry, Cable television, Telecommunications systems, Antitrust law, United States. Department of Justice, Satellite communications, Direct broadcast satellite television, Satellite television, Government communications regulation, The News Corporation Ltd., Cable television/data services, MCI Communications Corp., MCIC, Litigation, Lawsuit/litigation, Antitrust Issue, PRIMESTAR Partners L.P.

---

Digital offset printers ready to roll in color

Article Abstract:

Indigo, based in Israel, is developing high-performance offset printers that use digital technology. The company will introduce a digital color press later in 1993. The system is fully digital, using computer inputs rather than film or plates. It can produce 33 full-color, letter-size sheets per minute. The quality of the output compares favorably with color copiers or laser printers, which currently can produce about eight sheets per minute. Indigo's printer will cost $250,000. It uses a hybrid laser and liquid-ink technology. Indigo's device works best for short-run color jobs, such as custom books or marketing brochures. For runs of more than 10,000 copies, conventional offset printing is less expensive, and for runs of less than 100, color photocopiers are better. A Belgian company called Xeikon is also working on a digital press, which is expected in 1994.

Computer peripheral equipment, not elsewhere classified, Product development, Computer peripherals industry, Color printers, Color, Printers, Offset Printing, Indigo Air

---

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Digital's Olsen plans to expand size of board. Digital Equipment senior executive plans to retire
• Abstracts: Wang suit alleges patent violations by Microsoft Corp. Digital finds glitch in new computer, prompting it to retrofit every machine
• Abstracts: SmartPhone has milestone: first customer. GTE President Lee to become chairman and chief after Johnson retires in May
• Abstracts: Digital chip is endorsed by Microsoft. Analysts believe new chip from Digital may give market advantage to company
• Abstracts: AMD unveils fast chip to challenge Intel. Intel to report it is shipping its newest chip

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.