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Silicon Times Report Issue 0017
=======================================
ST-REPORT #17 JANUARY 13, 1988
Atari ST News/Reviews/Plus
Volume 2 Number 2 (c)1988 Syndicate Pub
=======================================
Editor
Ron Kovacs
Circulation Assistants
----------------------
Ken Kirchner
Susan Perry
_______________________________________
CONTENTS
_______________________________________
Winter CES Report Part 1...........................................Marc Wielage
Winter CES Report Part 2............................................Dawn Gordon
ProWriter Printer Commands............................................Tom Dewar
Probing Your ST...................................................Mr. Goodprobe
ST User Group Profile................................................Ron Kovacs
FoReM Discount Coupon.............................................Calamity Jane
GEnie Services ST File Directory.....................................Ron Kovacs
Atari Scuttlebits.....................................................Bob Kelly
Next Week in ST-Report...............................................Ron Kovacs
______________________________________
WINTER CONSUMER ELECTRONICS REPORT
______________________________________
by Marc Wielage
So far, the two biggest hooplas of the show are DAT--the ubiquitous Digital
Audio Tape recorder, which is showing at no less than a dozen booths-- and
Toshiba's 3-D camcorder, which some industry observers say is just $2850 worth
of gimmickry. No doubt, Toshiba will be getting a lot of publicity out of this
gimmicky product, designed to appeal to the glitzy "Sharper Image" crowd. This
"3-D Cam" is a lightweight (under 4 lbs.) VHS-C unit that has two separate 1/2"
300,000 pixel CCD pickups.
This makes it two, two, two cameras in one! It doubles the scan rate to 60
frames per second, which Toshiba claims will minimize flicker-the worst problem
seen in past 3-D video demos. Special glasses synchronize with the on-screen
image to create a depth-perspective effect. 3-D buffs won't be able to buy this
camcorder until summer at the earliest, which is just as well; it appears to be
of questionable interest for all but the most gimmick-crazed videophiles.
Several manufacturers are announcing delivery of DAT players, including car
DAT/tuner in-dash units. One of the first confirmed table models is one from
Harman-Kardon, which will be available in the Spring for around $2200. Even the
company admits that at that price, they'll only sell about a thousand of them
in the U.S. Others predict that once DAT prices inevitably move downwards,
they could prove immensely popular. Sony, who just completed the purchase of
CBS Records, is rumored to be readying a "DAT-man" series of DAT portables,
eventually to be priced under $500.
The Laserdisc market is opening up in a big way, with new combo "multi-disc"
players arriving from Magnavox, Pioneer, Sony and Yamaha. These models will
play conventional 4-3/4" CDs, CD singles, CD-V discs, as well as 8" and 12"
Laserdiscs. One Sony spokesman told us they were reluctant to get into the LV
market before, but now that they can sell the product as being a "universal"
disc player, it has a built-in non-obsolecence factor that should quell buyers'
fears.
There are lots of developments happening in the area of improving TV quality.
Now available in Japan are TV sets featuring IDTV (improved-definition TV) and
EDTV (extended-definition TV, essentially the same thing), which enhance the
existing line-standard through digital tricks and improved circuitry. Toshiba
will be pushing their own double-scanning non-interlaced TV set, already seen
at previous shows. Coming up later on in the 1990's is true HDTV (high
definition TV), featuring a wider picture with over 1000 scan lines. RCA will
be demonstrating ACTV (advanced compatible TV), which has 1050 lines and a
widescreen picture, and a Japanese consortium is exhibiting their MUSE
prototype system, a true HDTV system with 1125 lines and a similar widescreen
aspect ratio.
In other new product news, Panasonic is showing a new 45" rearscreen unit with
S-VHS inputs, a high-end model made to compete with similar projectors from
Pioneer and Sony. They're also introducing two new mid-priced VCRs, non-Hi-Fi
models with an improved on-screen programming system. Sony will be having
private demos of two new combo LV/CD players and at least one ED Beta VCR.
Aside from new products, the entire electronics biz was abuzz with news of the
near-panic earlier in the week, with the Japanese yen sinking to its lowest ebb
since World War II: a mere 121 to the dollar. This will inevitably result in
some precedent-setting price hikes on all VCRs, tape decks, TV sets, and
related gear over the coming year, but probably not quite matching the rate of
inflation. Most manufacturers, including Panasonic and Toshiba, are considering
increases of between 5% and 10%, which means the $500 VCR you bought last year
might now sell for $550 or more. Even worse, this means the $1000 VCR you buy
this year may lack certain features and the overall quality of a similar $1000
VCR from last year.
Japanese manufacturers are also hesitating in releasing new products with
advanced breakthroughs, simply because their increased price-tags will make
them unappealling to the U.S. market. For example, Sharp has perhaps the most
deluxe consumer Super VHS VCR on the market in Japan, with a jog/shuttle knob,
flying erase head, and other exciting features, but it would have to sell for
over $2000 if it were sold over here. So don't hold your breath at seeing this
one in North America, folks.
_______________________________________
CES REPORT PART 2
_______________________________________
by Dawn Gordon
It's been one of those shows. First my connecting flight from Dallas to Las
Vegas was three hours late (the airport's two de-icing machines were working
overtime), and then when I arrive in Vegas my luggage is missing. There is no
worse sight than watching a luggage carousel turning round and round for over
an hour. In any case, a small trip to the airport at 4:15 AM found my luggage
safe and sound.
So I missed most of press day, but managed to drag myself through the first day
of the show even though I was ready to find the nearest bed for some much
deserved sleep. The first two days had a lot to offer as far as new products
were concerned, but the most humorous and outrageous rumor running rampant in
the press room concerned a Toshiba sale of HDTV technology to Khaddafi (does
anyone know how to spell this guy's name?). I'll bet the state department is
"real" concerned over this one.
Anyway, let's get to the new video stuff. RCA had the most interesting display
of the show with its ACTV demo. This new system is not HDTV, but rather a
wide-screen, high resolution system that the company hopes will be adopted by
the FCC. Unlike HDTV, ACTV is fully compatible with the NTSC system we have
now, as it does not require an extra ( 6MHz) channel. The displayed image is
essentially free of NTSC artifacts and has in excess of 420 lines of resolution
per picture height, both horizontally and vertically. The system looks quite
good, but I personally hope that it never sees the light of day. Once the FCC
adopts a system like this we can kiss HDTV goodbye.
In the large screen department we have a newcomer from Europe. B Vidikron
showed two-piece projection units with screen sizes of 4-10 feet. The
projectors can be ceiling mounted or purchased in coffee-table configurations.
They aren't cheap though, plan to spend roughly $5000. In the more affordable
market Panasonic is showing the PTK-4587S 45-inch rear-screen TV with an S-VHS
input, and a built-in surround sound decoder. Pricing and availability will be
announced. NEC, a manufacturer known for its large-screen sets also adds an
S-video input to a couple of its big screens: the PJ-4160S ($2700), the
PJ-4170S ($3100), The PJ-4660s ($3000), and the PJ-4670S ($3400). If you are
looking for a big direct view set RCA has one in the 31-inch category. The
G31100 features surround sound (seemingly a new addition to the large screen TV
market), and a 56-button unified remote.
Normal-sized fare is also available--complete with S-Video capability from
companies such as Panasonic, Yamaha, and even a couple of Korean brands.
The super-small hasn't been left out either. Following in GE's footsteps, RCA
has introduced an under-the-counter 5-1/2-inch color TV with an AM/FM radio.
The RCA Spacemaker (wonder where they got that name?) CSM055 ($279) can also be
powered by an optional rechargeable battery pack or via a car cord. If you want
real small then take a look at Sharp's 3ML100 3-inch color LCD TV. It looks
like your basic LCD set (which isn't all that great) and comes with AC and
antenna adaptors, earphone, carrying case, and of course batteries.
As most CEFORUM members already know, the LaserDisc format is still regarded as
the highest quality consumer video format currently available, and Sony is
actually showing a couple of LV players for possible U.S. distribution. Marc
will have more info on this. In the CDV arena Yamaha is showing the first unit
that does not play LV discs, but only CD and CDV discs. The CDV-S100 will be
available in March for $499. Good luck Yamaha!
After hearing what the new Dolby Pro logic surround sound system has to offer
you may never go back to standard decoders again. I managed to pull myself out
of bed yesterday morning to attend a NEC press conference for the new PLD-910
surround unit with Dolby Pro Logic. Now I don't know if it was because I was
half asleep or what, but Pro Logic is definitely a step in the right direction.
It offers significantly more front to back separation than standard fare. The
910 has digital delay with a 1-94 milisecond user settable range, a 41-button
wireless remote, and a rear channel frequency range of 5-20,000 Hz. It will be
available in April for $949. But plan to spend more, as the unit is unpowered
and you will need a rear channel amplifier.
Now for the audio side, and a very interesting offering from AudioAccess. The
PX-240 CD Changer holds not 5 CDs, not 10 CDs, not 20 CDs, and not even 50 CDs,
but 240 CDs!!! Imagine a unit that can hold an entire collection (not a Steve
Schechter collection, but a big one anyway), and include 4X oversampling, two
D/A converters, a RS-223 interface, digital outputs etc. The PX-240 measures
only 17 W x 16 D x 6-1/2 H, and can store up to 10 playlists of 99 songs or
discs in each playlist. Don't run out to the store to buy this one yet though,
it costs a whopping five grand. The unit is currently designed for custom
installations, but in two years the PX-240 might be mass produced for a $1,200
price tag. I'll be first on line.
Finally, if you want to catch up on the past take a look at the GE 7-4100J
replica radio. It's a 3/4 scaled replica of the 1930's classic GE J100. The
unit consumes 1/20th the power of its predecessor, has two built-in antennas
(AM and FM), and is a real steal at only $75. The original cost $99 back in
1932, or the equivalent of $817 in 1987 dollars.
Copyright 1988 Dawn Gordon
[Ed. For more CES News and other Consumer Electronic News, Reviews, chat and
the like, You can GO CEFORUM at any CompuServe prompt and join in!!]
______________________________________
PRINTER HELP
______________________________________
by Tom Dewar
These are the print commands for the C. Itoh Prowriter 8510 printer. Many Atari
programs are set up for the Prowriter as well as the Epson, because it is a
popular printer among Atari owners. Some programs do not support the Prowriter
and this seems to mainly be because the programmer doesn't have access to the
codes for it. To try and help, I have typed these from the Printer manual. I
hope they help.
GENERAL FORMAT
COMMAND DESCRIPTION BASIC FORMAT
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carriage Return Returns carriage to CR
left position CHR$(13)
Line Feed Moves paper up one LF
line CHR$(10)
Form Feed Advances paper one FF
(Top of Form) full page length CHR$(12)
from present position
Back Space Moves the print head BS
back one space CHR$(08)
Set Tabs Sets a tab at each ESC ( ,a,b,c.
column designated CHR$(27);CHR$(40);
"a,b,c."
Clear Tabs Clears tab at each ESC ) ,a,b,c.
column designated CHR$(27);CHR$(41);
"a,b,c."
Clear All Tabs Clears all tabs ESC 0
CHR$(27);CHR$(48)
Horizontal Tab Sets Carriage to HT
next tab position CHR$(09)
Pica Pitch Sets 10 cpi pica ESC N
pitch (640 dpl, 80 dpi) CHR$(27);CHR$(78)
Elite Pitch Sets 12 cpi elite ESC E
pitch (768 dpl, 96 dpi) CHR$(27);CHR$(69)
Compressed Pitch Sets 17 cpi (1088 dpl) ESC Q
compressed pitch(136 dpi) CHR$(27);CHR$(81)
Proportional Selects Proportional ESC P
Mode (1280 dpl, 160 dpi) CHR$(27);CHR$(80)
Elongated Sets elongated SO
Character Select character mode CHR$(14)
Elongated Clears elongated SI
Character Clear character mode CHR$(15)
Boldface Select Sets boldface ESC !
type mode CHR$(27);CHR$(33)
Boldface Clear Clears boldface ESC "
type mode CHR$(27);CHR$(34)
Underline Select Selects underlined ESC X
text mode CHR$(27);CHR$(88)
Underline Clear Clears underlined ESC Y
text mode CHR$(27);CHR$(89)
Character Repeat Causes the next ESC R, nnn
Character to be CHR$(27);CHR$(82);
printed nnn times "nnn"
Line Feed 1/6 Sets 1/6 inch ESC A
Inch spacing between CHR$(27);CHR$(65)
lines
Line Feed 1/8 Sets 1/8 inch ESC B
Inch spacing between CHR$(27);CHR$(66)
lines
Custom Line Feed Sets nn/144 inch ESC T, nn
spacing between CHR$(27);CHR$(84)
lines "nn"
Forward Line Feed Moves paper in normal ESC f
(forward) direction CHR$(27);CHR$(102)
Reverse Line Feed Moves paper in reverse ESC r
(backward) direction CHR$(27);CHR$(114)
Bidirectional Printer prints in ESC <
Printing both horizontal CHR$(27);CHR$(60)
directions
Unidirectional Printer prints in ESC >
Printing forward direction CHR$(27);CHR$(62)
only
Left Margin Set Sets left margin ESC 8, nnn
to position nnn CHR$(27);CHR$(56);
"nnn"
Greek Characters Selects Greek ESC &
Character Set CHR$(27);CHR$(38)
Graphic Symbols Selects Graphic Symbol ESC #
Character Set CHR$(27);CHR$(35)
Alphanumeric Selects (normal) ESC $
Characters alphanumeric character CHR$(27);CHR$(36)
Set
Incremental Print Selects Incremental ESC [
Mode Print Mode CHR$(27);CHR$(91)
Logic Seek Mode Selects (normal) ESC ]
logic-seek mode CHR$(27);CHR$(93)
Bit Image Graphics Dot by dot firing mode ESC S, nnnn
(nnnn = # of dot CHR$(27);CHR$(83);
positions ex. 200=0200) "nnnn"
Dot Column Repeat Following 1 byte is ESC V, nnnn
repeatedly printed in CHR$(27);CHR$(86);
8 dots/dot column "nnnn"
Dot Addressing The head is moved to ESC F, nnnn
the dot position CHR$(27);CHR$(70);
indicated by nnnn "nnnn"
Dot by Dot spacing in proportional mode
1 Dot Space ESC 1
CHR$(27);CHR$(49)
2 Dot Space ESC 2
CHR$(27);CHR$(50)
3 Dot Space ESC 3
CHR$(27);CHR$(51)
4 Dot Space ESC 4
CHR$(27);CHR$(52)
5 Dot Space ESC 5
CHR$(27);CHR$(53)
6 Dot Space ESC 6
CHR$(27);CHR$(54)
______________________________________
Jumping Jack Flash!!!
(You mean even FASTER!?)
by Mr. Goodprobe
As you know, one of the "promised 2nd quarter next year" products for the Atari
St is a plug-in 68030 module to turn your St into greased lightning, and
wouldn't you know it, they are working on a replacement for the 68030 already..
listen to this:
"You're lucky,
I just happened to read your article. I'm one of the 68070's architects. Let me
describe the beast. You can find in one single chip:
- a 68000 CPU :
full 32-bit architecture
68000 programming model
68000 instruction set
10 MHz clock speed
enhanced bus error handling (68010 like)
- a MMU :
virtual address translation for 8 or 128 segments of 2Mb or 128Kb, memory
protection (user/super, R-W-E access) allowing dynamic stack allocation
transparent when unused adding one wait state when used
- a DMA :
2 independent channels
byte and word transfers up to 3.2 Mbytes/s
single cycle or burst mode
max block size 128Kb
compatible with 68430 / 68440 / 68450
- RS232-C :
one independent receive and transmit channel
independent baud rates
full/half duplex
auto echo mode
compatible with 2641 / 2661 / 2691
- timers :
3 16-bit timers
match / count / capture mode
pulse generator
compatible with 68230
- I2C bus :
two lines serial bus
transfer rate up to 100 Kbits/s
master / slave mode
multimaster build in protocol
Unfortunately, there is no way to implement all these functions in a 68000 pin
compatible package. Timers and serial busses need their own interfaces. It is
packaged in an 84-pin PLCC.
This chip has been designed by Philips and is being sampled with 100%
functionality. It will be available on the market in the last quarter of this
year and its price is estimated to be approximately $25 at the end of 88.
Let me know if you want more information.
Junien Labrousse ( junien@prls.UUCP )"
I think one thing that never fails to amaze me is the speed at which our
technology is changing!!! I hear that the newest Cray due to be released in
1990 is 6 times faster than anything known previously, and will be a desktop
computer! Wow!
Keep those Atari's hummin'
Mr. Goodprobe
_______________________________________
ST User Group Profile
_______________________________________
ST J.A.U.G.
~~~~~~~~~~~
ST Jacksonville Atari Users Group
5912 Collins Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32210
Voice #: (904) 783-3319
BBS Number: (9O4) 223-7772
Profile:
Family Oriented User Group
Weekly Meetings every Tuesday night 6-10pm
4-6 ST workstations every week for learning
ST-Report Carrier
_______________________________________
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* *
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* *
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* *
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* *
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* Framingham, MA 01701 *
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_______________________________________
GENIE ST FILE DIRECTORY
_______________________________________
Compiled by Ron Kovacs from GEnie
From time to time, I will update you via this column with a listing of the
NEW files available on GEnie Pay Service. I hope you find this of interest
and not a waste of space.
A quick explanation of the headings:
No. File Number
File Name Name of the file
Type Transfer used X Xmodem
Address Uploader of the file
YYMMDD Year, month, day of upload
Bytes File size in bytes
Access Amount file was downloaded
Lib Library file stored in
ALL Libraries
No. File Name Type Address YYMMDD Bytes Access Lib
----- ------------------------ - ------------ ------ ------- ------ ---
5496 CASSETTE.ARC X K.MEYLOR 880111 13860 12 2
Desc: prints labels for cassette cases.
5495 BEAUTY.ARC X B.DAVIS 880111 34020 11 12
Desc: MAC nude in MACpaint format
5494 TEMPTRES.ARC X B.DAVIS 880111 23940 9 12
Desc: MAC nude, in MACpaint format
5493 HYPERSTRINGS.ARC X J.JOUBERT 880111 10080 4 2
Desc: show printable chars in binary file
5491 CAT_8_TOP_22.ARC X DARLAH 880111 149940 4 13
Desc: Interlink information
5490 PATTY.ARC X B.DAVIS 880111 34020 8 12
Desc: MAC nude in Macpaint format
5489 FOLLIES.ARC X B.DAVIS 880111 13860 9 12
Desc: MAC nude in Macpaint format
5488 GRIDGIRL.ARC X B.DAVIS 880111 16380 7 12
Desc: MAC nude in MAC format
5487 TOP_45.ARC X TOWNS 880111 12600 11 1
Desc: Atari Corp Online, ROBB Demo
5486 TOP_36.ARC X TOWNS 880111 20160 3 1
Desc: Topic 36: Atari buys Federated
5485 DISNEY01.ARC X RAZZER 880110 27720 13 5
Desc: DISNEY CHARACTERS IN SPC FORMAT
5484 DISNEY2.ARC X RAZZER 880110 75600 9 5
Desc: DISNEY CHARACTERS IN SPC FORMAT
5483 DISNEY3.ARC X RAZZER 880110 65520 7 5
Desc: DISNEY CHARACTERS IN SPC FORMAT
5482 TIGERS1.ARC X RAZZER 880110 94500 4 5
Desc: CEYES RENDITIONS OF TIGERS IN SPU
5481 TIGERS2.ARC X RAZZER 880110 93240 3 5
Desc: CMPTEREYES,DIGISPEC RENDITION IN SPE
5479 UNI20.ARC (UNITERM 2.0) X R-FLASHMAN 880110 141120 39 7
Desc: Uniterm 2.0a, Edit #006 Terminal
5478 RAINCOAT.ARC X B.DAVIS 880110 15120 19 12
Desc: Nude, MAC format
5477 INGRID.ARC X B.DAVIS 880110 16380 7 12
Desc: MAC nude
5476 BOOP.ARC X B.DAVIS 880110 7560 31 12
Desc: Betty Boop nude - MAC format
5475 STARNETV124.ARC X SPIKER 880110 119700 16 7
Desc: STAR-NET BBS V1.24 New PD release
5474 CUTS.MCS X INTERSECT 880110 7560 18 11
Desc: Cuts Like a Knife, MCS
5473 MUSICINVENTORY.ARC V1.3] X L.DUKE 880110 44100 27 10
Desc: MUSIC COLLECTION INVENTORY UPDATED!
5471 BLOCKUP.ARC X TOMMARVIN 880109 21420 70 2
Desc: New P.P.Font for Pub.Part.Only
5470 ARC_UNARC.HLP X DARLAH 880109 7560 24 1
Desc: Help on extracting files on GENIE
5469 ARCSHELL 1.6 PRG X D.FLORY 880109 7560 75 2
Desc: Unarced Arcshell.prg
5468 MMC_LINEA.ARC X J.CHEN 880109 10080 27 3
Desc: Megamax's lineA routines
5466 MSPLAYER.ARC X WHOLDING 880108 46620 40 11
Desc: MS song player (Compiled GFA)
5465 BBSCHRG2.ARC X BITBUG.RC 880108 6300 71 7
Desc: Update on BBS/modem charges!
5464 PD LIB FOR ALCYON.ARC X CBARRON 880108 79380 9 3
Desc: a pd standard library for alcyon c
5463 FRIENDS.ARC X RJROBINSON 880107 2520 24 11
Desc: Music Studio - Friends
5462 WILMTEL.ARC X RJROBINSON 880107 1260 66 11
Desc: William Tell - Music Studio
5461 MANDOLIN.ARC X RJROBINSON 880107 6300 65 11
Desc: Music Studio - Mandolin Rain
5460 SPECPIC.ARC X A.PICCIONE 880107 113400 15 7
Desc: digi/spec pics
5459 CLEOPHA.MCS X INTERSECT 880107 7560 35 11
Desc: Joplin for MCS, or use MCSPLAY
5458 AXELF.MCS X INTERSECT 880107 7560 49 11
Desc: AXELF, the name says it all for MCS
5457 DREAMS.MCS X INTERSECT 880107 10080 16 11
Desc: Dreams by Van Halen for MCS
5456 ROLLOVER.MCS X INTERSECT 880107 7560 45 11
Desc: Rollover Beethoven for MCS
5455 INVENTORY-PRO.200 X HITECH 880107 191520 38 6
Desc: V2.00 OF INVENTORY-PRO
5454 MARKET_M.ARC X R.FARRELL 880107 20160 13 6
Desc: STOCK MARKET MONOCHROME CHARTS
5453 MARKET_C.ARC X R.FARRELL 880107 17640 14 6
Desc: COLOR STOCK MARKET CHARTS
5452 INV-PRO_UPG.ARC X HITECH 880107 15120 26 6
Desc: INVENTORY-PRO
5451 LISAW.ARC X DMAY 880107 36540 65 5
Desc: Spectrum picture of Lisa?
5450 GIRL FACE WITH 'EAR'.ARC X DMAY 880107 41580 15 5
Desc: Spectrum picture of a Girls Face.
5449 MAC II BOUNCING APPLES X DMAY 880107 32760 33 5
Desc: Spectrum pic: Mac II Ray Tracing
5448 KAHNAKAS.ARC X DMAY 880107 289800 77 10
Desc: Amazing Spectrum show, moving balls.
5446 PCPDIAL4.ARC X C.ASBELL 880106 16380 42 7
Desc: FLASH 1.52 PC PURSUIT AUTODIAL
5445 STMARKET.ARC X R.FARRELL 880106 84420 66 6
Desc: STOCK MARKET TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
5444 JIGSAW1_2.ARC X G.W.MOORE 880106 35280 70 8
Desc: Make jigsaw puzzle out of pics
5441 BBSEXPS_2.ARC X BOBBRODIE 880105 98280 18 7
Desc: Part 2 of BBS Express! ST demo
5440 BBSEXPS_1.ARC X BOBBRODIE 880105 123480 18 7
Desc: part 1 of demo for BBS Express! ST
5437 ST'ING_V20.ARC X DC.SIGNORINI 880105 42840 18 7
Desc: ST'ING: FOREM BBS DOOR VERSION 2.0
5434 EMPMAPS1.ARC X L.RICKERT 880105 10080 44 8
Desc: 11 NEW MAPS FOR EMPIRE!
5433 MONOWARE.PRG X D.MAULDIN 880105 2520 340 2
Desc: Monochrome Emulator for Color system
5432 TOCHATTA.MCS X INTERSECT 880105 12600 47 11
Desc: A MCS Bach tune.
5431 WHENYOUR.MCS X INTERSECT 880105 6300 33 11
Desc: Songfile of for MCS
5430 YOUB2CTY.MCS X INTERSECT 880105 15120 72 11
Desc: You belong to the City... MCS
5429 ST TALK BB DISC.ARC X DARLAH 880105 35280 56 13
Desc: ST Talk Professional Discussion
5428 DM_MAPS_LEVEL1_3.ARC X D.ANGUS4 880105 21420 138 8
Desc: 4 MAPS AND DOC FILE LIST OF CHAMPS
5427 STT2DEMO.ARC X QMI 880105 149940 380 7
Desc: ST-Talk Pro DEMO 1/1/88 version.
5425 STT2DEMO.DOC X QMI 880105 17640 202 7
Desc: ST-TALK Pro demo documentation
5424 MEGAMATIC115.ARC X LEPULLEY 880105 16380 185 2
Desc: MegaMatic - version 1.15
5423 BRCHEAT2.ARC X P.FOLLOWELL 880105 21420 40 8
Desc: Breach Editor v1.2
5422 REMOTE DO UPDATED.ARC X B.HAMMERTON 880104 7560 69 7
Desc: FLASH 1.52 DO Remote Controller
5420 MS_PLAYER.ARC X J.W.DAVIS 880104 26460 58 11
Desc: Music Studio song player
_______________________________________
ATARI SCUTTLEBITS
______________________________________
by Bob Kelly
ATARI! What next for home enthusiasts?
COMDEX has come and gone. In the past, this time of the year was one of
excitement for Atari HOME computer owners. New products were announced. The
home user was the center of attention. Sales were up and the image of a game
machine company was fading fast. Yet, even with the smiles on corporate
Atari's face at this year's COMDEX, an air of somber reality pervades the user
community. Times are a-changing.
Despite a flood of new products, Atari stock is down to the neighborhood of
$6.50 a share, reflecting a general feeling of uncertainty. Third quarter
earnings have been reported and they are lower per share than the same period
of 1986. While two-thirds of Atari's sales remain overseas, there is no reason
to expect a dramatic expansion in these markets. Foreign sales have been
impacted much in the same fashion as in the U.S., consumer expenditures are
projected to decline since the stock market crash of October 20. Consensus
projected GNP growth for the U.S. in 1988 has nosedived to 1.9%. Last, but
certainly not the least, the purchase of the Federated group of stores by Atari
could hamper rapid achievement of other short-term corporate objectives by
straining cash reserves.
As for Atari's strategy, it appears the game machine is back with a vengeance.
Atari is now a retailer and manufacturer of workstations for the scientific,
high-end educational, and business markets. However, the 68030 (32 bit)
machine is still not ready and the 8 bit user is clearly being lost in the
shuffle. To the home user, this all translates into a sense that Atari
Corporation has lost its sense of direction. (I have heard this phrase from
users more in the last month than any other comment in my four years writing
this column). In fact, all that happened is that the home computer user
(520/1040 ST) has been relegated to a lesser status. Does it really make sense
for the user community to react so negatively? Let's examine a few of the
recent developments in more detail before drawing a final conclusion.
I. COMDEX
InfoWorld covered Atari's display at Comdex in its Nov. 9 issue stating that
Atari took aim; "Directly at business and technical markets announcing a slew
of new products at COMDEX, including PC clones, a CD ROM player, multiuser
software for the ST and Mega lines, and a radical computing engine based on the
Inmos T-800 RISC processor."
The new high-end workstation is called Abaq. It requires at minimum 4 megabytes
of DRAM with each workstation expandable to 64 megabytes. The software
[Helios] supporting Abaq can read both Ms-Dos floppies and Unix hard disks.
This machine, owing to its very high resolution graphics, is reputed to be
capable of providing a picture similar to your camera.
The IBM PC clones introduced are replacing those announced last year, but NEVER
introduced into the U.S. market (this established Atari as an industry leader
in at least one segment of the domestic market - vaporware). Atari's variations
on the PC clone are:
Table 1
Clone Type Expandability Cost
-------------------------------------
PC2 XT 4 slots <$1000
PC4 AT 5 " <$2000
PC5 16-MHZ-80386 machine ?
The PC2 and PC4 are Atari machines intended to compete in what is in fact a
shrinking market. To illustrate, according to IBM, they have shipped over 1
million of the new PS/2 machines in the last seven months. The new operating
system (OS/2) to accompany the PS/2 machines goes on sale this month. OS/2
supersedes the software standard set earlier by IBM. There is little doubt by
most analysts that OS/2 is the standard of the future. Thus, much of the new
high powered IBM software will not work with the first generation clones such
as those being introduced by Atari.
The CD ROM is a product Atari indicated it would like to market more than a
year ago. It is capable of being connected to both an Atari computer as well
as a stereo system, a pleasant surprise for the audiophile. What software will
be available for introduction with this machine remains a mystery.
II. Third Quarter Earnings
Atari's third quarter 1987 net income rose by 9% to $9.9 million or 17 cents a
share versus $9.1 million or 21 cents a share in 1986. (The number of shares
outstanding rose to 58 million from 47.5 million over the past year.)
Revenue rose by 34% to $80.4 million from $59.9 million for the same period a
year earlier. Overseas demand was accountable for about two thirds of Atari's
total revenue with the 1040ST being the sales leader.
III. Analysis
This is a lot to digest. What in the world does it all mean? First, let's
look at the cost data and expected delivery dates for the new products
introduced at COMDEX.
Table 2
Projected Availability
Cost by by by
Item _US$__ Atari Joe Skeptic
------------------------------------------------------------------
Abaq1/ $5,000 Apr/June '88 Late '88/'89
PC clones * Jan/Mar '88 June/Dec '88
IDRIS2/ 800 ? ?
Moses LAN)3/ ? ? 1989
CD ROM 599 February '88 Mid l988
* see Table 1
1/ 4 megabyte single processor system only
2/ multiuser operating system
3/ local Area Network (LAN) which will connect up to 17 PCs, Megas, Mac, STs
Atari expects most of the products to be on the market within six months. Given
Atari's reputation for making scheduled dates, there is a natural reluctance to
bet when the products will be on the dealers' shelves. An old friend, Joe
Skeptic, made his own estimates as to when these products might appear, shown
in the 3rd column of Table 2. Frankly, I believe even Joe's estimates in some
cases may be optimistic. Why is timing important? IBM plans to introduce a
whole slate of high-end Unix machines to the U.S. market in 1988. Delays make
Atari's already uphill battle for market share more difficult.
Another immediate issue is how Atari plans to sell these high-end products in
the U.S? Again, they are aimed at the business/educational/scientific markets.
They are not intended to be sold through mail order or Mom and Pop stores. They
will require not only a dealer network but a complete service network both of
which will take Atari years to accomplish.
We now know why Federated was purchased in the U.S. But, what happens beyond
the 4 to 5 states where Federated stores are located? Atari either needs to
buy more regional outlets or make a deal with a major computer retailer, such
as Entre Computers. The former option appears unlikely for the next year or so
given Atari's cash position after the purchase of Federated and the decline in
the value of its stock. So, who in the latter category is going to deal with
Atari in the U.S.? My bet is that Atari will first concentrate on marketing
their new machines and establishing a dealer network in Europe, not the U.S.
Once a successful operation has been demonstrated overseas, more computer
retailers should be interested domestically.
If a growing percentage of Atari's corporate talent focuses on the business/
scientific market, the 520/1040 ST user might well have some justification to
wonder what Atari has in store for them. Does Atari expect the vast majority
of present or future home users to move up to the Mega machine given the
present price structure? Unlikely.
Like it or not, ignoring the home user and concentrating its limited resources
upon LONG-TERM objectives has to be a wise market strategy for Atari at this
juncture. The fundamental concern with this strategy is Atari may have taken
on too much too soon financially and some of the product offerings may have a
tough time penetrating the U.S. market (PC2, non-postscript laser printer,
etc.). Failure to deliver products this time WILL carry serious market
consequences. There are no easy answers as to the future despite what others
might say. Unless one is sitting in the board room, any evaluation is nothing
more than an guess (even here it still might be). For the home user, sit back,
buckle up, 1988 could be one hell of a ride. The game is definitely for high
stakes - Atari's future market power.
Atarifest-1987
o Atarifest 1987 has to be rated a huge success. The crowd attending easily
exceeded the 4,000 projected (probably closer to 5,000). Reported sales by
vendors were very good to excellent and some products such as the Magic Sac
were completely sold out.
o Atari was present showing off their equipment. It was a good marketing
opportunity and they took advantage of it as they should.
o Local advertising for the event was poor. This makes the huge turn-out all
the more remarkable. What apparently happened was while areas along the east
coast heard about the show, those in the Metropolitan D.C./Maryland/Virginia
area were largely in the dark. A better job has to be done next year.
Sorry no product endorsements ....wait till February for the best of '88. Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year.
_______________________________________
NEXT WEEK in ST-REPORT ISSUE #18
_______________________________________
PC Pursuit changes Logon Procedure...........Probing Your ST by Mr. Goodprobe..
.....Zaphodyne Software Review details.......Return of the FoReM Coupon........
....JACG Rumors.........ICD Rumors....Oasis Rumors....and the start of the
official ST-Report carriers listing....and much more!!
_______________________________________
ST-Report Issue #17 Volume 2 Number 2
(c)1988 Syndicate Publishing Company
_______________________________________
****Special Additional Information****
In this CIS Edition Only the following
information was found in the middle of
this upload.
Analog Magazine was bought out buy a
new publishing company. Full details
on this in ZMagazine 89 and ST-Report
No.18. Or call the Syndicate ZMag BBS
at (2O1) 968-8148 for the newsfile.
Ron Kovacs 1/14/88
