Invasion of the acronyms, again: with DVD and its cousins, yet another multiletter disk drive prepares to take over the world's computer

Article Abstract:

DVD is poised to become the next popular technology, resembling a more powerful CD-ROM with numerous capabilities. Some question whether consumers would want to rely on the five-inch disk to watch high-resolution, full-length movies on their computer screens, or select from limited DVD software options. Consumers not only must compare DVD to the more established CD-ROM technology, they also must make DVD choices. The three options consist of DVD for movies alone, the forthcoming DVD for audio, and the growing market for DVD-ROM, or DVD for computers, since their US arrival in early 1997. A key advantage to DVD-ROMs is their massive data storage capacity of up to 25GB, which Creative Labs says surpasses CD-ROM disks by 25 times. Other DVD-ROM influences are reaching computer games and the capabilities of interactive encyclopedias and other CD-ROM applications. CD-ROM owners, however, will have the ability to operate on DVD-ROM. These DVD-ROM drives probably are featured in computers that cost around $2,000.

Design and construction, Digital video disk, DVDs (Digital videodisks)

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Potential flaw in cash card security seen; 'smart cards' are being tested for use in U.S

Article Abstract:

Bell Communications Research reports that smart cards, promoted as being tamper-resistant, may be vulnerable to counterfeiting. The credit-card sized cards include a microprocessor and memory that holds electronic data representing money. Smart cards employ a secret code that guards against counterfeiting and is protected by data-scrambling software. Researchers at Bellcore say that forcing a calculation error on a smart card's core can lead to security failure. The error can be forced by putting a smart card in a microwave or by subjecting it to radiation. Once a small error occurs, a mathematical formula may be applied to the error to determine the secret code stored in the smart card. Smart card supporters claim the discovery does not upset their effort to establish smart cards, pointing out that currency counterfeiting does not stop the flow of cash.

Magnetic Cards, Research, Product defects and recalls, Electronics industry, Data security, Data security issue, Smart cards, Smart card, Bellcore

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Sorting out the proposals for improving digital sound

Article Abstract:

New high-density disks are about to revolutionize the recording industry, but standards issues could impact its success. The most important question centers on compatibility, and whether these new disks will work with the more than 550 million CD players and more than 12 billion CD's currently in existence. The DVD Consortium, formed in 1995 by 10 companies that represent all areas of the recording and electronics industries, is evaluating two standards. Sony and Philips Electronics have combined to propose the Super Audio Compact Disk proposal for DVD-audio, which Sony intends to introduce by the spring of 1999. Work Group 4, or the remaining development team members, have prepared the DVD-Audio for release by the beginning of 1999. The marketplace probably will dictate the winning proposal.

Standards, Standard, Standardization, Technology development, CD-ROM, CD-ROM disks, CD-ROM Technology

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