High-definition TV has networks, outlets worried about costs; they fear the revenue gains may be slight if people refuse to buy $3,500 sets; dividing rich from poor?

Article Abstract:

High-definition television (HDTV) is on the way, probably arriving by 1995, but the price will be enormous. TV stations, networks, cable channels and cable systems nationwide will pay an estimated $15 billion to $20 billion to obtain HDTV capability. The first HDTV sets will sell for about $3,500; by 2000, they will still cost about $2,000. Digital-based HDTV offers clarity, color and sound that are far superior to today's analog TVs. Viewers, though, seem more interested in program quality than the technical boon of HDTV. The push for HDTV is being led by federal officials who see HDTV as the path to 21st century technology and equipment vendors eyeing billions of dollars in sales. The question remains, though, of who will pay for implementing the technology. Cable subscribers and hard-pressed broadcasters alike are loathe to pay the high price tag. The Federal Communications Commission is scheduled to choose an HDTV standard from among five competing proposals.

Television broadcasting stations, Cable and other pay TV services, Laws, regulations and rules, Finance, Television broadcasting industry, Cable television, Television equipment industry, High-definition television, High definition television, Outlook, Cost of Communications, Government Regulation

---

Disk standard will shake up video market

Article Abstract:

Consumer-electronics giants, computer makers and Hollywood movie studios have agreed on a universal compact disk format that is expected to prevent format clashes while changing the video market. The new, as yet unnamed, digital videodisk technology will be unveiled in late 1996 when dedicated players will be available for about $500. The machines will play a new generation of five-inch disks that will be compatible with current CDs and CD-ROMS and will also store a great deal of information. These first players will not be able to record, but industry executives expect them to eventually replace videocassette recorders. The new standard results in single-sided disks with either one or two layers, depending on how much storage capacity is needed. A single-sided, single-layer disk will hold up to 4.7GB while a dual-layer disk will hold about 8.5GB.

Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing, Home Video Disc Players, Standards, Standard, Standardization, Technology development, Digital video, Videodisks, CD-ROM disks, Videodisk players, Videodisc players, Videodiscs, CD-ROM Technology, Technology Information

---

Electronics-show notes: robots get real and a CD-ROM directs drivers

Article Abstract:

Parallax Software Corp is borrowing a tactic employed by other computer-game developers by releasing a sample of its popular Descent game on the Internet and various on-line services. Users can download the game, where players move in a 3D space, and play the first seven levels at no cost. Descent is priced at $39.95 and is distributed through Interplay Productions. An estimated 90,000 people showed up at the 1995 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV to see this and other next generation offerings. Many users waited to test Clarion Corp's talking navigation device, which employs a CD-ROM to access map information for auto drivers while they are driving. Navigator will be available in late summer 1995 is expected to retail for between $900 and $1,500.

Prepackaged software, Software Publishers, On-Line Information Services, Database Vendors, Information retrieval services, Games,Recreation Software Pkgs(Micro), Database industry, Product information, Design and construction, Computer games, CD-ROM databases, Trade shows, Action game, Computer action games, Home software, Consumer Electronics Show, Trade show, Future Technologies, 1995 AD, Map database, Digital map services, Parallax Software Corp., Descent (Action game), Clarion Navigator (Map database)

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Some shopping tips for families buying a back-to-school PC. Notes for the novice: a guide to buying your first computer
• Abstracts: A new blend of experience: many freshmen in the 105th Congress bring a business perspective to the lawmaking process
• Abstracts: Caution: weak product warnings may be hazardous to your health. Antitrust concerns about evolving vertical relationships in health care
• Abstracts: The relation between a prior earnings forecast by management and analyst response to a current management forecast
• Abstracts: Characteristics distinguishing high-growth ventures. Three facets of satisfaction and their influence on the performance of innovation teams

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