Digital video recorders stir up a new battle. SonicBlue's Replay 4000 lets users zap TV ads, forward shows via Web

Article Abstract:

SonicBlue's Replay 4000 that allows consumers to record TV programs that can automatically skip commercials and the company's digital video recorder that gives users control over live broadcasts have attracted lawsuits from Viacom, General Electric and Walt Disney Co. SonicBlue chief notes that the feature that skips commercials is a glorified fast-forward variant. Replay 4000 records programs onto a disk which can eliminate dreaded commercials and the publicity has boosted demand for the product, already sold-out via the company's Web site. The copyright infringement suit may have some power over the program-sharing feature where the consumer can send copies of videos to others over the Internet. The pesky company also has a new product that allows users to copy duplicates, also without TV commercials.

Process control instruments, Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables, Product development, Television Broadcasting, Household audio and video equipment, Consumer Electronics, Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing, Television broadcasting stations, Radio, TV, publisher representatives, TV Advertising, Media Representatives, Digital Process Recorders, Instrument industry, Instrument industry (Equipment), Management, Evaluation, Cases, Laws, regulations and rules, Product description/specification, Product/Service Evaluation, Product information, Television broadcasting industry, Consumer electronics industry, Television advertising, Intellectual property, Entertainment industry, Digital process control equipment, Piracy (Copyright), SONICblue Inc., Potasshner, Ken, Sonicblue ReplayTV 4000 (Video processing equipment)

---

No mercy

Article Abstract:

Covad Communications Co., an Internet service company based in California, is battling with local telephone companies over the pace by which they are deploying the firm's digital subscriber line (DSL) equipment. The struggle illustrates an industry-wide dilemma given birth by the Telecommunications Act of 1995, which forced countless communications firms into a series of uneasy alliances. Covad executives claim that Pacific Bell has denied it access to about 25% of the telephone company's facilities in California.

Comment:

Has received complaints from Covad Communications Co. over installation of its DSL equipment

Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing, Telecommunications, California, Strategic alliances, Licensing/Sales Agreements, Digital Carrier Equip, Telecommunications industry, AT&T Inc., Covad Communications Co., Digital carrier systems

---

PointCast cancels IPO to pursue 'strategic partnership' discussions

Article Abstract:

PointCast Inc. announced that it has suspended plans to implement an initial public offering (IPO) so that it can engage in talks with other firms about strategic partnerships. PointCast has also expressed interest in the possibility of being acquired by other companies. The company said that interested parties have approached it. However, PointCast would not say who the parties are.

Comment:

Announced that it has terminated its plans to implement an initial public offering

Strategy & planning, On-Line Information Services, Database Vendors, Company Planning/Goals, Database industry, PointCast Inc.

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Critics call Comdex show overcrowded. Compaq, battered by fears of slacker growth in earnings, finds fans at its cheaper price
• Abstracts: Old computers get a new lease at charities and former east bloc. Computer use by illiterates grows at work
• Abstracts: Novell counters Microsoft, pairing Unix, NetWare. IBM's OS/2/2.1 debut is modest success, but launch of rival Windows NT looms
• Abstracts: PDA devices stage trade-show debut; Apple's Newton maintains a low profile. Sony forms unit to link software, hardware lines
• Abstracts: Southwest Bell offers managers retirement plan. AT&T forms two new global units from communications services business

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