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Software industry

Interactive TV and Emerging Technologies in the UK

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the UK's interactive TV market expands, major players such as Acorn and Microsoft are introducing innovative technologies to enhance user experiences. Online Media, a new subsidiary of Acorn, is launching a set-top converter that utilizes ARM Risc chips to provide Video On Demand and other services. Meanwhile, BT and Microsoft have released ISDN for Workgroups, enabling local area networks to be connected across 22 countries. Commodore's UK bosses are exploring a management buy-out to save the company, and ED KROL, author of The Whole Internet User's Guide and Catalog, is in London for the launch of the second edition.

Key Takeaways:

  • Online Media, a new subsidiary of Acorn, is launching a set-top converter that utilizes ARM Risc chips to provide Video On Demand and other services, with trials starting in September.
  • The set-top converter will exploit ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) communications using a module from ATM (Advanced Telecommunications Modules) Ltd.
  • BT and Microsoft have released ISDN for Workgroups, enabling local area networks to be connected across 22 countries.
  • Commodore's UK bosses are exploring a management buy-out to save the company, based only on potential UK sales.
  • ED KROL, author of The Whole Internet User's Guide and Catalog, is in London for the launch of the second edition.
  • The Multimedia Store, which concentrates on CD-ROM software, has opened in London with more than 200 titles in stock.
  • Computer Manuals Ltd. is distributing titles from Medio Multimedia Inc, including JFK Assassination and Exploring Ancient Architecture.
  • Bill Gates has become the richest man in America, worth Dollars 8.2 billion, according to Forbes magazine.
  • IBM has fallen in the ranking of the most valuable brand names, from third to last place, according to The Financial Times.

Statistics:

  • The set-top converter and ISDN for Workgroups will enable users to connect to the internet using high-speed dial-up communications.
  • The Multimedia Store has more than 200 CD-ROM titles in stock, with an emphasis on reference and edutainment.
  • The ISDN line used in the ISDN for Workgroups can connect local area networks (LANs) into wide-area networks (WANs) across 22 countries.
  • Bill Gates' net worth is estimated at Dollars 8.2 billion.
  • The Walton family's paper fortune is worth Dollars 23.6 billion.
  • IBM's brand name is worth less than zero, according to a survey by The Financial Times.

Sources:

  • "Acorn to Enter Interactive TV Market," BBC (no date)
  • "BT and Microsoft Launch ISDN for Workgroups," BT Press Release (no date)
  • "Commodore UK Faces Management Buy-Out," The Times (no date)
  • "ED KROL Launches Second Edition of The Whole Internet User's Guide and Catalog," PC BookShop Press Release (no date)
  • "Medio Magazine Launched," Computer Manuals Ltd. Press Release (no date)
  • "Bill Gates Becomes Richest Man in America," Forbes Magazine (no date)
  • "IBM Falls in Brand Value Ranking," The Financial Times (August 2)

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