The marriage of TV and home computer may last this time

Article Abstract:

Interactive television is making a comeback through the use of the Internet rather than expensive customized technology. One of the major factors in the transition from the old concept for interactive TV and the new, Internet based one, was Time-Warners decision to close its test site for a centralized proprietary network. A second factor was Microsoft's decision to purchase WebTV for $425 million. Microsoft was prompted to buy WebTV by the realization that there would not be a significant rise in the percentage of US households that have PCs anytime in the near future. Microsoft has also purchased a portion of a large cable company and is involve in talks with other cable companies to persuade them to make their set-top box standard a form of WebTV.

Author: Mossberg, Walter S.
Planning, Product information, Microsoft Corp., Design and construction, Technology overview, MSFT, Digital television, Interactive television, WebTV Networks Inc.

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Web pirates reveal plots of soap operas in satellite intrigue; advance daytime-TV feeds are intercepted, resulting in summaries via Internet

Article Abstract:

A number of groups of savvy Internet users are intercepting satellite feeds of television soap operas and using them to post summaries and updates of these programs' plots on their Web sites. Some of these groups intercept satellite feeds to Canada that are sent a day before these programs are broadcast in the U.S., due to scheduling factors. While television broadcasters have not taken much legal action against so-called Web spoilers, the intercepting of these feeds could be subject to civil actions if the information is used for money-making purposes. Broadcasters could also invoke copyright-infringement laws if the producers of these Web sites copyright their material.

Author: Oppelaar, Justin A.
United States, Legal issues & crime, Television Broadcasting, Television broadcasting stations, Television broadcasting industry, Crimes against, Abstract, Satellite communications services industry, Soap operas, Industry legal issue

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Subjects list: Usage, Internet
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