DirecDuo Makes Its Debut

Hughes Network Systems, in an effort combining television and Internet access, introduced its DirecDuo 21-inch elliptical satellite dish capable of delivering DirecPC services and offerings from DirecTV and U.S. Satellite Broadcasting.

The antenna is capable of supporting multiple DSS set-top boxes for television programming, as well as a DirecPC card installed in a computer for Internet access. Both the TV and PC can be located in different rooms on separate floors.

The equipment uses two low-noise amplifiers inside housing at the end of the antenna's "arm" to get services. Existing DSS customers can upgrade systems by purchasing a DirecPC card and DirecDuo antenna for $599. The set up requires replacing existing 18-inch dishes but keeping set-top boxes.

The complete DirecDuo hardware/software package, ranging in price from $899 to $999, includes a 21-inch elliptical dish with a "tri-mode" LNB and a universal mount, a 16-bit PC card, Microsoft Windows(R) '95-based software.

New Microsoft Browser Nabs Prevue Site

Microsoft picked United Video's Prevue Online for its group of Active Channel content providers in its new Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0.

Prevue, a unit of Prevue Networks, will provide a special channel providing television listings to Internet users, bringing instant access to cable-system-specific TV listings, video interviews with stars of current feature films and Local Weather.

Prevue Online, at www.prevue.com, offers cable-system-specific listings for more than 280 cable systems representing 20 million cable subscribers.

All Prevue Networks services combined, including the Prevue Channel, Sneak Prevue and Prevue Interactive services reach 70 million homes in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe. Prevue Networks is part of United Video Satellite Group.

Antennas America Gets DSS Licensing

Antennas America was licensed by DirecTV to use the DSS trademark on the Company's new Freedom Antenna system.

Prior to issuing the license, the company said DirecTV evaluated the antenna for performance. The Freedom Antenna is a flat VHF/UHF over-the-air antenna that conforms to the back of an small satellite dish designed to be inconspicuous.

It can fit on the back of RCA, Toshiba, Eurosat, Uniden, Hughes Network Systems, GE and ProScan satellite dishes. The company also has a new antenna that will attach to the back of Sony and Phillips/Magnavox dishes.