LATEST ADDITIONS

Thomas J. Norton takes a look at the huge <A HREF="http://www.guidetohometheater.com/showarchives.cgi?62">Fujitsu Plasmavision SlimScreen PDS-6101 high-definition plasma display</A>. As TJN notes, this 61" flat screen presents an enormous picture in an easy-to-manage slim package. But he finds there might be a peeve or two among the pixels.

<A HREF="http://www.echostar.com">EchoStar Communications Corporation</A> is reeling in the wake of its recent failure to win approval for its proposed acquisition of competitor <A HREF="http://www.directv.com">DirecTV</A>. The Federal Communications Commission and the US Justice Department have both blocked the $18 billion merger. A trial over the issue is expected early next year.

Ever since DVD first appeared five years ago, I've longed for the ability to record video material to disc rather than VHS tape. Well, as the old saying goes, "Be careful what you wish for; you just might get it." Not only is it now possible to record onto a DVD disc, there are no fewer than five formats available! Among these are DVD+R (write-once) and DVD+RW (rewritable), both created by Philips.