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Wednesday November 27 1:59 PM EST

Reuters Technology Summary

Filmmakers Object To Digital TV Accord - A group representing hundreds of filmmakers has sent a letter to Federal Trade Commissioner Susan Ness objecting to an agreement in principle on a broadcast standard for a new generation of high-definition digital TV. The Coalition of Film Makers says it is dismayed that the accord did not provide for transmission in the digital world of the original aspect ration of motion pictures.

U.S. Durable Goods Orders Edge Up In October - The Commerce Department says a surge in demand for electronic equipment boosted orders for costly manufactured items in October, offsetting widespread weakness in orders for most other goods. Total new orders gained 0.1 percent last month. The slim rise was contrary to Wall Street economists' forecasts for a 2 percent drop in October orders and was entirely due to a record jump in orders for electronic and communications equipment.

TI, Samsung Set $1 Billion Pact - Texas Instruments says it has set a licensing pact with Samsung Electronics of Korea that will generate royalty payments of more than $1 billion over 10 years. In exchanged, each side has agreed to drop pending patent infringement lawsuits against each other. Texas Instruments, the Dallas-based maker of computer chips, notebook computer and other electronic products, says the agreement replaces a previous five-year deal that expired at the end of 1995.

APEC: Triumph For Asian Way - Despite President Clinton's direct personal lobbying efforts, leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum failed to deliver unequivocal endorsement of a U.S. proposal for a united APEC front in information technology products. While the 18 leaders agreed to back efforts to achieve tariff-freed trade in computer and software by 2000 at the World Trade Organization, they also ensured they had a get-out clause by emphasizing the need for "flexibility."

Bell To Buy Milgray - Bell Industries says it will acquire Milgray Electronics, another distributor of electronic components, for about $100 million. Under the agreement, Bell will launch a cash tender offer of $14.77 a share for Milgray's stock within five business days. Bell says it will retain Milgray's management team and selling organization, and the electronics distribution organizations of both companies will continue to operate independently until the merger is completed in early 1997.

BellSouth Gets Atlanta Cable Franchise - The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports that BellSouth has won a 15-year cable television franchise for DeKalb County, one of the more populous communities of the metropolitan Atlanta area. The franchise, which sets the stage for a battle with cable TV operators MediaOne and Scripps-Howard, was approved unanimously by the DeKalb County commission. The BellSouth franchise would cover an area with a population of 500,000.

IBM Wins Incentives For Thai Plants - Thailand's Board of Investment says it has decided to grant tax incentives to IBM to invest over 14 billion baht ($560 million) in to hard disk drive plants. BoI deputy secretary general Chackchai Panichapat told reporters he expects the planned IBM plants, in eastern Thailand, to start production in late 1997.

U.S. Robotics Launches Mac Pilot - U.S. Robotics is launching its Pilot Macintosh desktop software and connectivity pack, enabling users of the organizer to connect with either Macintosh or Windows computers. Pilot is a handheld computer designed to work as a companion to a desktop or laptop computer, helping users manage schedules and personal information when they do not have access to their principal computer.

Microsoft Launches China Server Software - Microsoft says it is launching a Chinese version of its messaging system Exchange Server 4.0. Microsoft began shipping the messaging platform in the U.S. in April. The software provides direct and secure access to the Internet, enabling corporate workgroups to share electronic mail, databases and documents. In a statement, Far East corporate vice president Charles Stevens said the U.S. software giant aims to develop simultaneous Chinese versions of all of its products.

Novell Not For Sale - Novell Chief Financial Officer Jim Tolonen says the giant software company is not for sale and sees its future course as an independent one. Tolonen says Novell chairman John Young told analysts immediately following the company's release of fourth quarter earnings that Novell believes the best way to provide value for customers and shareholders is to follow an independent course.

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