A star-struck IBM UK Ltd is getting into broadcasting today with the launch of Desktop Television, a service that delivers television programming prepared by IBM to suitably equipped personal computers. First beneficiary is IBM’s AS/400 Business Associates, and the company will transmit, via satellite, an updated programme every two weeks to 10 sites across the country. Out to give Cable News Network a run for its money, and present Rupert Murdoch with the first convincing challenge to his UK satellite television hegemony, IBM says that news and information will feature strongly, supplemented by profiles of individual Business Associates, feedback, diary dates and phone-ins, with an independent presenter to link the live and pre-recorded material. IBM has roped in CTN, the corporate production arm of Independent Television News Ltd, and Burson-Marsteller Ltd to help it to make the programmes. It wants to expand to 100 sites across the UK over time. The receiver is an IBM PS/2 80486 machine with an IN SatConnect Receive adaptor, demodulator and 31.5 antenna. It has to run the IBM Desktop Television player software under OS/2 2.1 up. A similar system with ActionMedia/2 Playback adaptor and IBM Desktop Television Builder is used for creation.
