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Amiga Update (1996-07-01)
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/\\ |\ /|| || / ` /\\ || Amiga Update -News and Rumors
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AMIGA and the Amiga logo are trademarks of Amiga Technolgies, GmbH
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950701
V I S C O R P A N D E M E R S O N R A D I O A G R E E M E N T
- 3 S T O R I E S
A M I G A F U N A N D G A M E S I N S P A I N
About this issue:
We wished everyone a Happy Fourth in the last issue, but as we have
occasion to send out another issue before that date, we'll express our wish
again. May you all have a safe and happy holiday!
VIScorp has previously announced that their first set-top box products
would be made available in 1996. (They have also said there would be seven
new products in 1997). In what looks like a strong move to make this
happen, they have forged an alliance with a long time presence in American
comsumer electronics, the Emerson Radio Corporation. Our first story is the
press release announcing the deal. The Amiga's operating system is
prominently mentioned.
We don't know too much about Emerson, other than they made some nifty
radios years ago and the recently purchased Emerson TV set in our living
room works very well. So, we went looking for information. Our second
story is a brief description of the company. Our third story was an eye
opener. It seems Emerson has had some problems recently, including a bout
with Chapter 11. It looks like the matter is straightened out and things
are under control. Details are below.
Our final story this time is just for fun. The good folks in Spain are
holding an Amiga/PC party which looks like fun for anyone who could
actually get there. This is another of those European get-togethers, the
chief purpose of which is to show your programming skills by creating a
"demo", usually involving lots of graphics, animation and sound. We can't
get there, but we can dream. (Maybe if we use the excuse we need to brush
up on our Spanish ... Hmmm....) Brad
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A M I G A / E M E R S O N / V I S C O R P A L L I A N C E
Viscorp and Emerson Radio Corp. Sign Letter of Intent for
Exclusive Distribution by Emerson Radio of Interactive
Set-Top Device and 'Smart' TV
CHICAGO, June 27 -- Visual Information Service Corp. (Nasdaq: VICP)
("VIScorp") and Emerson Radio Corp. (AMEX: MSN), announced today that
they have entered into a letter of intent granting Emerson the North and
South American exclusive distribution and sales rights to VIScorp's
interactive Internet television set-top device, the Universal
Internet-Television Interface(R) (UITI(R)), and the UITI(R)-TV interactive
"smart" television set. Terms have not been disclosed, pending a
definitive agreement. However, pursuant to the letter of intent, VIScorp
would be granted warrants to purchase up to a maximum of one million shares
of Emerson common stock at an exercise price of $6 per share.
"The UITI(R) provides new and exciting entertainment, information and
telecommunications capabilities using any standard television set,
including easy access to the Internet, World Wide Web and on-line
services," said William Buck, Chief Executive Officer of VIScorp. "The
Emerson Radio branded set-top device will dramatically expand the
capabilities of the family TV set by providing TV viewers a host of
services like e-mail, on-line chat and Net surfing that have, until now,
been available only to those who own personal computers. "The UITI(R) is
more than a network computer (NC) as it turns the TV set into a
sophisticated communications center, offering an on-screen menu, a speaker
phone, the ability to send and receive fax messages, on- screen caller
identification (Caller ID) where available, calendar, telephone and address
storage, and other services. In addition, it comes with a series of
'in-ROM' interactive multimedia games so that it provides greater value to
the whole family," Mr. Buck continued.
VIScorp explains that the UITI(R) runs on an enhanced Amiga(TM) operating
system which, VIScorp says, is internationally recognized as one of the
finest multitasking multimedia systems, as well as one of the most cost
effective systems. The UITI(R) comes equipped with a built-in modem;
includes special fonts and graphics so that networked text, data and images
can easily be read at normal viewing distance; contains random access
memory (RAM) to enable users to download text, messages and other
information; and, comes with a sleek, easy-to-use remote control with an
imbedded keyboard for convenient information input.
"We are extremely excited about the prospect of our product carrying the
Emerson Radio name," said Mr. Buck. "Emerson is an internationally
recognized leader in consumer electronics, with a reputation for quality
and value."
Eugene I. Davis, President of Emerson, stated: "We are very optimistic
about the inclusion of UITI(R) technology into our product mix going
forward. We believe that convergence products will be a major emphasis in
the consumer electronics business over the next several years and we
believe that Emerson will be a value product to the mass market in this
area. We believe the Emerson Radio brand name, which is recognized as one
of the top brands in consumer electronics, will help drive not only the
Internet-television interface products, but also the second and third
generation units which VIScorp has already demonstrated to us. We are
currently a major supplier to some of the largest retailers in the U.S.,
such as Wal-Mart, Target and Kmart and believe these retailers will be
looking forward to getting into interactive TV products with the Emerson
Radio brand name, a brand name that has always sold well in their stores."
Visit the company's Web page at http://www.vistv.com/, and direct
e-mail to flo@vistv.com.
Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered
trademarks of their respective companies
CONTACT: Florine Radulovic of VIScorp, 312-655-0903; Tad Gage,
General Information, 312-640-6745, or Bess Gallanis, Media,
312-640-6537, both of The Financial Relations Board (VICP)
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E M E R S O N D E S C R I B E D
Emerson Radio Corp., one of the nation's largest volume consumer
electronics distributors, directly and through subsidiaries, designs,
sources, imports and markets a variety of video and audio consumer
electronics and microwave oven products. The Company's primary goal is to
build upon its proven strengths to expand product offerings and markets,
without risking substantial working capital. This strategy is designed to
maximize profitability while driving Emerson's growth into a diversified
consumer products company.
Currently, the Company distributes its products primarily through mass
merchants and discount retailers. The Company relies primarily on the
strength of its "Emerson" trademark, a nationally recognized trade name in
the consumer electronics industry. The Company's core business consists of
the distribution and sale of various low to moderately priced product
categories, including black and white and color televisions, video cassette
recorders and players, TV/VCR combination units, home stereo and portable
audio products and microwave ovens. The majority of the Company's
marketing and sales of these products is concentrated in the United States
and, to a lesser extent, Canada and certain other international regions.
In 1995, the Company introduced new lines of products to complement its
current product line. These new products include a full line of clocks and
watches, personal and home security products, a home theater system, car
audio products and ready-to-assemble furniture. The Company also intends
to engage in the marketing of distribution, sourcing and other services to
third parties by utilizing the strengths evidenced by its core business
infrastructure.
Emerson Radio Corp.
9 Entin Road
Parsippany, NJ 07054-0430
Eugene I. Davis, President
Adam Friedman, KCSA Public Relations Firm (212.682.6300, X215)
Telephone: (201) 428-2000
Fax: (201) 428-2019
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E M E R S O N ' S R E C E N T P R O B L E M S S O L V E D
Emerson Radio announces final settlement of all litigation relating to
reorganization financing
PARSIPPANY, N.J. -- June 14, 1996 -- Emerson Radio Corp. (AMEX:MSN)
announced today that Emerson and its chairman and controlling shareholder,
Geoffrey P. Jurick, have entered into a final settlement agreement with
Jurick's former partners, Donald and Petra Stelling and entities under
their control as well as certain third party claimants relating to shares
of Emerson and a number of investments and venture-stage companies jointly
controlled by Jurick and the Stellings.
The settlement resolves in Jurick's favor the ownership of approximately
75% or 29.2 million shares, of Emerson's outstanding common stock held by
Jurick and his affiliates and provides for the payment of $49.5 million
allocated among all claimants, other than Jurick and his affiliates who
will separately receive $3.5 million, payable out of future sales of
Emerson common stock held by Jurick and his affiliates.
Such shares will be sold over an extended number of years by a financial
advisor to be selected by Emerson in consultation with the various
claimants and Jurick.
The litigation ensued following Donald Stelling's unexpected resignation
as chairman of Emerson on Dec. 2, 1993, and the simultaneous withdrawal of
his family's contractually committed financial support to Emerson's
then-pending Chapter 11 reorganization.
The resignation of Stelling was the first step in the Stelling- initiated
unraveling and dissolution of a number of Stelling/Jurick controlled
investment vehicles primarily incorporated in the Bahamas and the United
States.
Emerson commenced litigation against the Stellings for breach of contract
and breach of fiduciary duty following the successful consummation of
Emerson's reorganization with substitute equity capital raised by Geoffrey
Jurick and supplemented by new credit facilities arranged by Emerson.
The settlement agreement, which ultimately will be enforced through an
order issued by Judge Nicholas Politan in the Federal District Court in
Newark, N.J., and which will only become effective after the return later
this year of certain share certificates currently held in foreign
jurisdictions, also provides mechanisms to minimize competition with
Emerson in raising funds in the capital markets, restricts the sale of any
of the shares in a manner that may unreasonably impact the value of shares
held by outside shareholders and restricts any change of control, which
would negatively impact on Emerson's current or future credit arrangements,
other than as specifically permitted by action of disinterested members of
Emerson's board of directors.
Gene Davis, president of Emerson, said, "We are gratified that the
litigation over these matters is at an end. While Emerson had suffered due
to the abandonment by the Stellings and their affiliates during our
restructuring process, the principal damage has been done to Mr. Jurick
and his affiliates, who chose to stand by their commitments to Emerson,
enabling Emerson to continue to serve its employees, creditors, customers,
vendors and shareholders. This settlement reflects a reaffirmation of
Geoffrey Jurick's long- term commitment to Emerson, its shareholders, and
strategic plan.
"Emerson is also pleased that, through the hard work and effective
mediation of Judge Politan, a global settlement has been achieved that
removes any cloud of uncertainty over ultimate control of the company and
its dedication to its long-term plan of profitability and growth.
"The various provisions of the settlement agreement confirm Mr. Jurick's
control over Emerson and Emerson's control over its own destiny and takes
specific note of the interests of its minority shareholders."
Emerson Radio Corp., founded in 1948, is headquartered in Parsippany. The
company designs and markets, throughout the world, full lines of
televisions, home and personal security equipment, timepieces, car audio,
home theater, video and audio and microwave oven products.
CONTACT: Emerson Radio Corp., Parsippany
Eugene I. Davis, 201/428-2000
or
KCSA Public Relations, New York
Adam I. Friedman or Joseph A. Mansi, 212/682-6300
ext. 215/205
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E U S K A L P A R T Y I V - S A N S E B A S T I A N 1 9 9 6
Where?
------
The Euskal Party IV will be held in San Sebastian (Gipuzkoa), in Spain.
The party place will be the "Fronton Carmelo Balda". We will have enough
tables and chairs for everybody, a big sound equipment and two big screens
of 6x4 and 3x2 metres, and a Videowall from Euskal Telebista.
Internet will be available for all the people that come with an Ethernet
card.
The partyplace will stay opened 24 hours and it is allowed to stay in at
night, even working with the computers. The place has 2 dressing rooms and
hot showers.
A very big room will be used for sleeping,but the organization will have a
local guide of hotels and youth hostels for those who don't want to sleep
there.
The party will be retransmitted through radio and TV. If you come with
your TV, you will be able to see you in it.
When?
-----
The party will open at 16:00 25th July (thursday) and close at 14:00 28th
July (sunday).
Rules
-----
- It is not allowed to smoke or drink in the partyplace. You will have to
go to the bar to do so.
- Only one work per category and person (except demos and 64 kb intros).
- No work will be picked after the deadline.
- Demos and intros could be tested on the organization`s computer.
- If more than 15 productions are presented, a selection would be by a
independent jury.
This rule is neither applied to graphics nor to fast compos.
- There can be incompabilities between some PC video modes and the pro-
jector, this risk exists and it cannot be forseen.
- PC: before each demo the computer will be reset to avoid incompabilities
with the former demo.
- AMIGA: the computer will be switched off and then on again.
Competitions
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Amiga demo:
- Max length: 4 2dd or 2 2hd.
- It must be instalable in hard disk, even if it can be run from floppies.
- The demo must stop when the left mouse button is pressed. Otherwise the
demo will not be accepted.
Pc demo:
- Max length: 4 Mbs (it is not allowed to save anything but a config
archive during the demo).
- The demo must stop when ESC is pressed. Otherwise the demo will not
be
accepted.
Amiga intro:
- Max length: 64 kbs
- The intro must stop when the left mouse button is pressed. Otherwise
the demo will not be accepted.
Pc intro:
- Max length: 64 kbs
- The intro must stop when ESC is pressed. Otherwise the demo will not
be accepted.
Amiga intro 4kbs
- Max length: 4096 bytes.
- It is allowed to include sound.
Pc intro 4kbs
- Max length: 4096 bytes.
- It is not allowed to include sound.
Mods (Amiga and Pc)
- The mod must be protracker compatible.
- The mods will only be played 3 minutes each one.
- Max lenght: 880 kbs.
Multichannel (Amiga and Pc)
- More than 4 channels.
- Allowed: S3M, XM, MOD(Fasttracker), Tocatta (Amiga).
- Max length: 1 Mb.
2D Graphics (Amiga and Pc)
- Max resolution: 640 x 512 plus overscan.
- Max number of colors: 256.
- The graphics must be painted using a 2D drawing program such as Dpaint,
Brilliance...
- It is not allowed to use images or brushes created using 3D programs
or programs like photoshop and so on.
- Digitalizations are not allowed.
- Allowed: ILBM, TIFF, TARGA, GIF, PCX.
- The images will be displayed using an Amiga.
3D Graphics (Amiga and Pc)
- Max resolution: 640 x 512 plus overscan.
- Max number of colors: 24 bits.
- The program used to develop the graphic must be specificated.
- The graphics will be displayed using an Amiga.
- Allowed: ILBM, TIFF, TARGA, GIF, PCX.
DOOM
- There will be 8 computers connected in a LAN.
- The players can play even with keyboard or joystick.
- There will not be monsters.
- The competition will be for time and number of frags.
- The level to play is the first level of DOOM II.
Fast compos
- The rules will be published during the Party.
Human demo
- Only one production per group. It has to be in VHS PAL format.
- It can be done in advance.
- This human demo is about trying to imitate the effects of a demo but
using the plain audiovisual means of a human being.
- It can include infography.
- For instance: 3D cube rotation => pick a box and move it with your
hands.
Computers used in the competitions
----------------------------------
Amiga: A1200/030 4Mb fast + 2 Chip.
Pc: Petium 100, 8Mb Ram, S3TrioV64+ (2Mb) and Univesa 5.2 loaded.
Configuration with HIMEM And/or EMM386. No mouse and no keyb loaded.
SB AWE32 and GUS MAX 1Mb (low DMA and IRQ).
Prices {NOTE: believe they mean prizes here. Brad.}
------
The prices are not fixed yet, though they will be obtained from the
entrance fee, which will be almost entirely used in prices. We have some
hardware prices from our sponsor AMIGATEK:
- Demo: 1 Amiga 1200 Magic.
- Intro: 1 monitor 1438S.
- Intro 4K: 1 Surf-kit 14k4.
- Mods, 2d, 3d: Graphic tablet Graffiti.
- Fast compos: Surfware.
For PC compos we are still talking.
Conferences
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There will be 4 people making a discussion about the subject, while the
people could listen to the discussion through radio or Tv. When the
discussion is finished, everybody will be able to ask questions through a
wireless microphone.
1) Intel MMX.
2) Virtual Reality.
3) Internet.
4) Future of the scene.
Entrance Fee
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The entrance fee is 2500 ptas (about 18$) if paid in advance or 3000 ptas
(about 22$)if paid in the party place.
The deadline of advance paying is July the 15th 1996.
The account number is:
Entity: Kutxa
Owner of the count: Asociacion de amigos de la informatica Euskalamiga.
number: 2101 0074 61 0010407393
You'd better specify your name (or names) of who is making the pay.
After paying, send a copy of the bank order to:
Sabino San Vicente
Pza Gernikako Arbola 1, 2d
20700 URRETXU (GIPUZCOA) - SPAIN
Or
sabino@redestb.es
Including the following data:
Name:
Surname:
Address:
Phone:
Handle:
Group:
Computer: Amiga or Pc (or whatever you have).
Date of birth:
If you have any doubt, please send it to sabino@redestb.es or refer to the
official WWW pages of the Euskal Party IV:
http://www.dit.upm.es/~alba/euskal
http://rigel.deusto.es/~herrero/
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Amiga Update on the net: recent issues available in html format at:
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Copyright 1996 by Brad Webb. Freely distributable, if not modified.
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