CompuServe Messages

Kathy: Right you are (mostly)! However, with all respect: >>since each of the items under discussion has its own unique aspects, aren't any comparisons, even the $$ vs time, a bit irrelevant?<< Then why does everyone keep spouting the Philips party line comparing CD-I to CD audio? You're right, it isn't relevant, and that's my point. Philips is hoist on its own petard! And I'm afraid this: >>some strengths that CD-ROM doesn't have (inexpensive players, relatively easy interleaving of audio, video, graphics & programming)<< — I don't get at all. First, CD-I _is_ CDROM, just a very limited flavor. Second, CDROM drives – even top of the line – are no more than the street price for CD-I players. Third, I _know_ how easy it is to develop for CD-I, which is to say, NOT! >>SEGA is an interesting case — can a game machine really have that much impact on this market?<< A million of anything makes an impact – the market is defined by people who want to buy your content. If they happen to own game machines, then Sega will have an impact. It is no less byzantine a development system or closed-ended a delivery system than CD-I, and has generated more 3 or 4 times more sales in 4 months than Philips has been able to gin up since 1986. I don't have anything against the format, but I am concerned that my friends who want to get into the publishing business don't lose their limited investments speculating on a product about which no one can seem to get straight info. And, simply, the world is not the kind of place – nor is the business the kind of enterprise – that Philips would like it to be. And they can pour another billion $$ into it, and it still won't be. Just keep your eyes open and your powder dry! Best – Rich Bowers