Desktop PC is eclipsed at trade show by glitzier, scaled-down offspring

Article Abstract:

The desktop computer has ceded its decade-long dominance of Comdex, the personal computer industry's grandest trade show, to smaller, flashier devices. The lull in desktop development reflects a shift to standardized products for which price is the key selling point. While some attendees express excitement over Intel Corp's powerful Pentium microprocessor, scheduled to ship in 1993, and a new generation of software programs, a reserved, almost foreboding mood hangs over the trade show. Many fear that falling profit margins could force some smaller companies out of business. Attendees wax enthusiastic over such new products as Zenith Data Systems Corp's tiny new notebook computer with a wireless modem. The new products, however, still represent only a tiny fraction of the huge personal computer market.

Conferences, meetings and seminars, Computer industry, Comdex, Price cutting, 1992 AD, Industry Analysis, Outlook, Competition, Comdex-Fall

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Juiced-up PCs build a market for multimedia

Article Abstract:

After much hype, multimedia microcomputers are finally selling well. The machines' CD-ROM drives and special sound boards allow users to produce and play video and sound. Multimedia Computing Pres Nick Arnett estimates that 750,000 multimedia-upgrade kits were sold in 1992, up dramatically from about 50,000 in 1991. Driving the surge in popularity are falling prices for both multimedia computers and upgrade kits. Retailers say sales of multimedia systems exploded in Nov and Dec 1992. Still, only a tiny fraction of the millions of PCs have multimedia capabilities. One problem is the shortage of multimedia software titles. There are a number of educational programs, but virtually none for the business or home user.

Multimedia systems, Computer terminals, Market Analysis, Demand, Multimedia terminals

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At TI, HDTV is all done with mirrors

Article Abstract:

Larry J. Hornbeck, an engineer working for Texas Instruments Inc, has developed a video projection system that could make TI a leader in high definition television (HDTV) technology. The system is built around a digital micromirror device, or DMD, which incorporates 440,000 tiny mirrors onto a matchbook-sized piece of silicon. The movement of the mirrors, each of which represents a pixel of light on a video screen, is digitally coordinated, and the result is a television image as sharp and bright as a 35mm photograph. TI hopes to start marketing Hornbeck's system to television manufacturers later in 1993. Spokespeople for TI say early versions of DMD products are likely to be expensive.

Semiconductors and related devices, Household audio and video equipment, Research, Texas Instruments Inc., Product introduction, Television equipment industry, High-definition television, High definition television, New Technique

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