Changing picture: the advent of digital broadcasting makes the convergence of television and PCs a real possibility

Article Abstract:

The convergence of television and PCs is in its incipient stages, but starting late in 1998, television broadcasters in the nation's 10 largest markets will start transmitting signals in a digital format. FCC rules mandate that more than half the households in the US should be able to receive multiple digital signals by Nov 1999. Digital broadcasting is expected to bring major changes, providing interactivity associated with Web surfing, and delivering sharp, crisp picture quality. However, exactly how the industry is most likely to evolve remains uncertain, and a debate is raging between broadcasters and the computer industry. Computer interests, led by Microsoft and encouraged by FCC Chmn Reed Hundt, envision a data-transmission network that would revivify sales of PCs. Broadcasters and PC proponents are battling over standards, with the PC industry favoring the 'progressive scan' format, used in computer monitors, and broadcasters promoting the interlaced' format, used in TVs.

Electronic computers, Television Broadcasting, Television broadcasting stations, Computer industry, Television broadcasting industry, Communications technology, Telecommunications, Digital communications, Digital television, Digital communication

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Locked out: some Bells are less friendly than others toward newcomers, but the end result may be the same

Article Abstract:

SBC Communication's Ameritech acquisition highlights the telecommunication industry's ongoing controversy about local-loop competition. Ameritech has a reputation for being a progressive company that favors competition, while SBC has opposed competition at every opportunity. In fact, the companies' differing attitudes have not seemed to matter very much. Both have lost the same number, about 3%, of their phone lines to rivals. According to Mark Cooper, research director for the Consumer Federation of America, the fact that companies with such divergent philosophies can end up with the same disappointing result shows how difficult it is to dislodge an entrenched monopoly. According to heather Gold, former president of the Assn for Local Telecommunications Services, a trade group representing local carriers, such things take time. She says progress made so far 'has been amazing.'

Laws, regulations and rules, Regional Bell Operating Companies

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Microsoft, Compaq make Net-Access Bet

Article Abstract:

Microsoft Corp. and Compaq Computer Corp have both invested $212.5 million dollars in Time Warner and MediaOne's RoadRunner service. In doing so, they have each acquired a 10% stake, and have increased the value of the cable company's Internet service to over $2 billion dollars. Although the service is provided to only 9,000 customers, the business has high potential, in part because of the speed at which a cable modem delivers Web pages, complete with video and audio clips. Microsoft and Compaq will hold 50% of the voting power in a committee that makes technology recommendations, but they have no part in purchasing decisions.

Comment:

Microsoft and Compaq invest $212.5 mil in Time Warner and MediaOne's Web TV service

United States, Computer Software, Software Publishers, Asset sales & divestitures, Acquisitions & mergers, Specialized Telecom Services, Wired Telecommunications Carriers, Company Planning/Goals, Software, Compaq Computer Corp., Microsoft Corp., Internet software, Internet services, Time Warner Cable Inc., Article, MediaOne, Inc.

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