DVD: the final battle

Article Abstract:

Licensing issues may delay the delivery of Digital Video Disc (DVD) drives by the end of 1996. Vendors hope DVD technology will replace videocassettes, laserdiscs, CD-ROMs and audio CDs. It is proving difficult to get the vendors involved to settle on a single standard and other issues, such as royalties, need to be resolved. The erasable format has been set at 2.6GB and the write-once CD-recordable format will begin at 3.8GB, although it will probably move to 4.7GB when supplies become available. The mainstream ROM version is set at 4.7GB, but will double to 8.5GB with double layering and to 17GB with double layering combined with the SD group's double-sided technology. The parties involved have settled on DVD as the name for the standard, but the licensing issues are related to royalty concerns and remain unresolved. Sony and Philips have collected royalties for every CD sold for many years and they do not want to split these revenues with other companies.

Computer storage devices, Standard, Standardization, Technology development, Digital video disk, DVDs (Digital videodisks)

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CD-ROM publishers hit the Web

Article Abstract:

Producers of multimedia CD-ROMs are embracing the Web as a platform on which to demonstrate and sell their products. The more successful sites include demonstrations and documentation for products, quirky marketing ploys and creative presentation. Less successful sites also abound and typically consist of little more than an electronic order form. HyperBole's site exemplifies creative, fresh approaches to Web design with its customer service portion, entitled "You Are Always Right," and its virtual muse component, "The Sandbox." Voyager Co's site offers a 50% discount on a CD-ROM title that changes each day, encouraging regular check-ins. Virgin Interactive Entertainment's highly successful site includes interviews with designers, QuickTime movies and tarot readings. IVI Publishing offers Netscape Navigator Personal Edition with every health disc CD-ROM to link to the online Health Network.

Information retrieval services, Marketing, Voyager Co., Company Web Site Web Page, HyperBole Inc., Virgin Interactive Entertainment Ltd., IVI Publishing Inc., IVIP

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Building online communities

Article Abstract:

On-line communities are proliferating, thanks to the investments of companies from a diverse range of US industry sectors and to special software tools designed to foster community creation. Busineses such as Starbucks Coffee and the Atlanta Braves are starting on-line communities to generate repeat business and build a loyal customer base. Several companies are marketing community-building tools. WELL Engaged sells turnkey conferencing solutions. E-Communities will soon release a tool for those looking to create an on-line community. WorldsAway and The Palace Inc. continue to market their products for the creation of avatar communities on the Net. The development of better 3D products and the expansion of voice chat capabilities will expand the on-line market considerably.

Telephone communications, exc. radio, BBS software, Internet/Web Overview

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