Whittle, Philips plan interactive M.D. TV

Article Abstract:

Whittle Communications L.P. and Philips Electronics N.V. plant to jointly introduce an interactive cable-television service for doctors that will let physicians request information on prescription drugs and order samples. The new service, similar to Whittle's Channel One school operation, has attracted the interest of at least six major drug manufacturers and could stir controversy by changing the practice of drug marketing. Interactive technology will let doctors order samples electronically, request scientific reports on drugs and seek more information on a news event they have just seen on the screen. Merck and Co., Ciba-Geigy Corp, Marlon Merrell Dow Inc, Pfizer Inc, Johnson and Johnson and Bristol-Myers Squibb Co have all committed to advertising on the network. Medical News Network may have difficulty getting approval from the Food and Drug Administration, which is cracking down on the distribution of prescription drug samples. The FDA now requires a doctor's signature when a sample is received and keeps extensive records of what samples were given out and to whom. It is unclear how this requirement will be satisfied electronically.

Television broadcasting stations, Internet services, Cable television, Contracts, Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V., Electronics industry, Cooperative Agreements, Medical Issues, Cable Television/Data Services, Interactive Cable, Whittle Communications L.P.

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Edison Bros. plans a new enterprise in virtual reality; retailer gets rights to set up mall-based game rooms with a 'Star Trek' theme

Article Abstract:

Edison Brothers Stores Inc is set to open a chain of virtual reality entertainment centers by the end of 1993. Edison Brothers is the exclusive US distributor of Virtuality, a consumer-oriented virtual reality game, and currently operates 10 centers across the US. The new centers will be based on characters and themes from Paramount Communications Inc's 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' television series. Included with the 'Star Trek' virtual reality game will be restaurants and retail shops based on the same theme. While other corporations are considering growth in the area of virtual reality-based entertainment, Paramount takes a cautious stance. The company has only licensed 'Star Trek;' it has not made any investment in the Edison Brothers venture or other virtual reality concepts. According to a company official, the appeal of virtual reality to consumers will need to be determined before Paramount makes any significant investments.

Women's clothing stores, Shoe stores, Retail industry, Retail trade, Marketing, Computer games, Virtual reality, Computer simulation, Computer Game, Entertainment, Edison Brothers Stores Inc., EBS

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Newsweek version on multimedia CD to start in January

Article Abstract:

Beginning in Jan 1993, Newsweek will become the first general-interest magazine to publish a continuing version on multimedia CD-ROM. An annual subscription to the four quarterly Newsweek Interactive disks could cost as much as $100. At some point, Newsweek might begin shipping the disks on a monthly basis. The compact disks will combine text, still photographs, animation, video and voice-overs from Newsweek correspondents. The disks will also feature interactive advertising. Newsweek sees potential long-range profits in publishing magazines on CD-ROM, but that market could be held back by a plethora of standards. The first issue of Newsweek's disk will only play on Sony Corp's new $99 portable CD-ROM Multimedia player, while the second issue will be able to play on IBM PC compatibles equipped with a CD-ROM drive.

Prepackaged software, Publishing industry, Usage, Software, Periodical publishing, Multimedia software, CD-ROM, CD-ROM disks, New Product, Magazines, Newsweek Inc.

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