es1@cunixb.cc.columbia.edu (Ethan Solomita) (04/08/91)
(I've already posted first-hand commentary about CDTV so here is the press release) For further information: Rogers & Associates Denise Richards or David Ellis (213) 552-6922 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Commodore International David Rosen (215) 344-3040 COMMODORE LAUNCHES FIRST MULTIMEDIA PLAYER FOR U.S. CONSUMERS Interactive Multimedia Product Blends Audio, Video, Graphics and Text for Education, Entertainment in the Home NEW YORK, April 3, 1991 -- Commodore International Limited today introduced the firrst interactive multimedia product available for U.S. consumers. The CDTV player, an Interactive Multimedia product that combines audio, video, graphics and text into a revolutionary consumer electronics component, will be available at quality audio/video retail chains in Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, Sacramento and Chicago on April 19 followed by New York, Boston, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Dallas and Denver in May. The CDTV player, which resembles a conventional audio Compact Disc player, connects to a television set and home audio system to become an interactive education, information and entertainment center. A simple hand-held infrared remote control provides access to an entire library of multimedia eduational, entertainment, information and reference titles. "CDTV Interactive Multimedia represents a breakthrough on two fronts," said Nolan Bushnell, general manager of Commodore's Interactive Consumer Products division. "The CDTV player is a smart, easy-to-use, next-generation home componenet which offers computing power without computer complexity. CDTV Interactive Multimedia is also the next generation in Compact Disc development, which combines audio, graphics, video and text into a true multimedia experience that will change the way people learn and are entertained." ... "CDTV Interactive Multimedia changes television from a passive to an active medium," observes Bushnell. "During the 1980s, home video and laserdiscs begin to break the monotony of one-way television. These media offer consumers more choice but are essentially pasive. Because CDTV discs offer users expanded search and retrieval capability, consumers can customize their access to the information on the disc, thus gaining more control. By being more actively involved in the title, viewers will get more value from television. "We believe the CDTV player and interactive multimedia will be to the 1990s what VCRs and videos were to the 1980s," said Bushnell. "The CDTV system will make our education entertaining and our entertainment educational. If we can change the world through information, then this is the product to do it." The CDTV player has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $999 and is scheduled to be available at the following retail outlets: Macy's (California), Software Etc., Walden Soft, Futurtronics and Montgomery Ward Electric Avenue (Chicago). [Educational price is $785] In the U.S., Commodore plans to support the CDTV player with the industry-leading CommodoreExpress program. This program features a toll-free customer "hot line" where Commodore-trained support professionals are on duty 24 hours a day, even weekends and holidays, to answer questions. The program also features a one-year limited warranty and free pickup and delivery in the U.S. by Federal Express for warranty product repair. Commodore International Limited, through its worldwide operations, is one of the world's leading producers of computer-based consumer and business products. # # # [and for the lawyers out there:] Commodore and the Commodore logo are registered trademarks of Commodore Electronics Limited. Commodore Dynamic Total Vision, CDTV and CDTV Interactive Multimedia are trademarks of Commodore Electronics Limited. -- Ethan Q: How many Comp Sci majors does it take to change a lightbulb A: None. It's a hardware problem.