hill@evax.arl.utexas.edu (Adam Hill) (11/20/90)
Here is some food for people waiting for CDTV.
(Reposted without permission... Though I think CBM wouldn't mind :-) )
_______________________________________________________________________________
For Immediate Release
For further information:
Rogers & Associates
David Ellis/Denise Richards
213-552-6922
COMMODORE ANNOUNCES INITIAL CDTV [tm] APPLICATIONS LIBRARY
WEST CHESTER, Penn., October 30, 1990, --
Commodore International today announced a library of more than 35
planned multimedia titles which will play on Commodore's CDTV
interactive Compact Disc system at product introduction in early 1991.
The library, which includes titles in numerous educational,
instructional and entertainment categories, will bring new levels of
interactivity and enjoyment into the home environment.
The titles play on the CDTV player which is similar in appearance to a
VCR or CD player and is suitable for the home living room or den. The
CDTV player is also compatible with the more than 30 CD+G (Compact Disc
Plus Graphics) music discs available, as well all standard audio
Compact Discs.
The CDTV library provides consumers with a comprehensive selection of
topics, including reference, education, children's, women's, sports and
leisure, self-improvement, adventure and simulations. The titles range
from interactive versions of the "King James Bible" and the "World
Vista Atlas", to entertainment titles such as "Battle Chess," "Sim
City," and "Sword of Excalibur."
"The challenge facing the consumer electronics industry is providing
content, not just advanced technology," said Nolan Bushnell, general
manager of Commodore's Interactive Products Division. "CDTV enables
consumers to experience sound, images and text in ways that are not
possible in the separate worlds of audio, video and computing."
CDTV represents a major advance in technology and capability over any
commercially available entertainment format, combining audio, video,
graphics and computer interactivity into a single, Compact Disc-based
system. The storage capacity of the Compact Disc is enormous -- the
equivalent of more than 250,000 pages of typewritten text. For
example, the complete "American Heritage Encyclopedic Dictionary",
fully illustrated, will fit on a single disc.
This storage capacity enables developers to engineer products which
combine unparalleled levels of interactivity with vivid graphics and CD
sound. "CDTV is more than a new product, it represents a dramatic
shift in the way we receive and use information, are educated, and
entertained," said Bushnell.
According to Bushnell, the key is interactivity and immediate access.
For example, the recipes in the CDTV version of the popular "Silver
Palate" cookbook series (to be retailed as "New Basics Electronic
Cookbook') by Xiphias, provides the cook with step-by-step
instructions, alternate seasonings, realistic "mouth-watering" images
of the meal in progress, and the ability to recalculate portion sizes
instantly. If the cook is planning a dinner party for 10 and then
decides to invite two more guests, the program will adjust the
ingredient amounts and cooking times accordingly. In addition, the
program will "suggest" menus based on whatever combination of
ingredients happen to be in the house at mealtime, as well as direct
the cook to low-sodium or low-cholesterol recipes if desired.
Tiger Media's "Airwave Adventure -- The Case of the Cautious Condor,"
is the first original entertainment title developed specifically for
multimedia compact disc. It's an adult murder/mystery set in the
1930's, where the "player" has 20 minutes and 1500 possible paths to
search rooms and interview characters in order to solve who had the
means, motive and opportunity to "do the deed."
Discis has developed a variety of children's stories, including
"Cinderella" and "The Tale of Peter Rabbit", featuring the author's
original illustrations and text, with added music and sound effects.
The user has the option of hearing real human speech present the text
orally with the words highlighted in phrase groups common to normal
speech and speaking patterns. In addition, the user can point the
remote control and click on a specific word and have it pronounced for
them, click again for a definition, and again to have the word said in
an alternate language (e.g., Spanish) if desired.
According to Bushnell, these first 35 titles represent just the
beginning of the development of the CDTV library. The company and
other developers plan to introduce additional titles on a regular
basis, including "Murder Anyone?", "North Polar Expedition" and "family
Medical Advisor", among others. Several of the world's premier
applications developers such as LucasFilm, Accolade, Cinemaware, Sierra
On-Line, Virgin Mastertronic and Spectrum Holobyte have products in
development for CDTV.
The CDTV player will sell for less than $1,000, and is scheduled for
launch in early 1991. It will initially be sold through selected
audio, video and computer retailers, and department stores in select
markets. Prices for CDTV discs will range from $30 to $100
manufacturer's suggested retail price.
Commodore International, through its worldwide operations, is one of
the world's leading producers of computer-based consumer and business
products. Corporate headquarters are located at 1200 Wilson Drive,
West Chester, Pennsylvania, 19380: (215) 431-9100
For Immediate Release
For further information:
Rogers & Associates
David Ellis/Denise Richards
213-552-6922
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commodore has units at CBM HQ and will supposedly be shipping them to
developers in a "few" weeks. I KNOW there is at least ONE CDTV product finished
... And it looks/sounds very nice.
--
adam hill
hill@evax.arl.utexas.edu Make Up Your Own Mind.. AMIGA!
Amiga... Multimedia NOW
Most Common Phrase at DevCon '90 - "Shhhhhhh.." david@twg.com (David S. Herron) (11/26/90)
It's really disappointing that this didn't make it out for the christmas season -- <- David Herron, an MMDF & WIN/MHS guy, <david@twg.com> <- Formerly: David Herron -- NonResident E-Mail Hack <david@ms.uky.edu> <- <- Use the force Wes!
) (11/27/90)
In article <8344@gollum.twg.com>, david@twg.com (David S. Herron) says: > >It's really disappointing that this didn't make it out for the christmas >season When it does come out, it will be very much worth the wait. >-- ><- David Herron, an MMDF & WIN/MHS guy, <david@twg.com> ><- Formerly: David Herron -- NonResident E-Mail Hack <david@ms.uky.edu> ><- ><- Use the force Wes! Marc Rifkin, r38@psuvm "Nevermore."