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Technology Stocks : Zenith - One and Only -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: flickerful who wrote (4371)	2/5/1998 10:20:00 AM
From: Robert Utne	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 6570

Interesting to note that DirecTV and MSFT are parting ways. DirecTV is leading the way in introducing HDTV by previously announcing that it will broadcast two channels in HDTV beginning in the fall. Might be an opening for Zenith to be a provider of STBs for DirecTV customers. Zenith is going with the open OS of Microware and is much more flexible than the closed OS of Windows 98. "DIRECTV(R)and Microsoft Part Ways Dishing It Out, the Magazine's Daily News Site, Reports That DIRECTV(R) Will Develop a PC/TV Without Microsoft's Help and Is Negotiating WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 /PRNewswire -- Dishing It Out, the daily news site of Satellite DIRECT(R) magazine, reports that DIRECTV(R) has ended its agreement with Microsoft to develop jointly a PC that would offer the 200 channels of the 18-inch Digital Satellite System along with selected material from the World Wide Web. "We are moving independently of Microsoft," said Ed Huguez, vice president of the new media and interactive group for DIRECTV(R). The executive told Dishing It Out directmagazine.com that DIRECTV(R) will develop the PC project -- called DIRECTV(R) Interactive -- on its own and launch it sometime in 1998. Huguez said DIRECTV(R) is providing Microsoft with the development plans for DIRECTV(R)Interactive so the software company can make it compatible with Windows 98. Huguez declined to say when in 1998 DIRECTV(R) Interactive will be launched. In addition, Huguez confirmed yesterday that his company is talking to WebTV and other Internet browsers about providing Internet access via DSS(R). He predicts that DIRECTV(R) will introduce a set-top Internet/TV product in 1999. The Satellite DIRECT daily news site reported 10 days ago that DIRECTV(R) is in talks with WebTV, but Huguez said other browser-based, set-top manufacturers are in contention. "WebTV is one, NC is another, Net Channel is one," said Huguez. "All of those are viable, and we are talking to all of them." DIRECTV(R) and Microsoft announced in March 1996 that it would jointly develop a PC that would feature all DSS(R) channels as well as selected Web material. However, Dishing It Out has reported that DIRECTV(R) and Microsoft officials have butted heads over timing and platform issues. DIRECTV(R) wanted to launch the product as soon as possible, while Microsoft wanted to wait until its Windows 98 software was ready. Huguez yesterday confirmed that delays setting back the launch of Windows 98 were a problem between the two companies. "(The ending of the joint development partnership) will allow us to come out with(DIRECTV Interactive(R)) earlier," Huguez said. "It could be a year or so before(Windows 98) is ready." ".....(Not good news for MSFT shareholders!!!)