Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, August 15, 1993 TAG: 9308150155
SECTION: HORIZON PAGE: F-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: NEW YORK LENGTH: Medium
The move represents a reach to new markets for Nintendo, which, like other electronics companies, is interested in putting interactive technology in homes and offices as optical fiber, satellite and other transmission methods improve. Nintendo said it has reached agreements with Northwest Airlines, Sheraton hotels and Holland America Line-Westours Inc.
Beyond video games, the interactive system, which is primarily intended for entertainment, is supposed give travelers more choices for movies and audio and in-flight shopping programs.
Because of a lack of a digital link for passengers between airplanes and the ground, the system won't be able to provide services like fax and computer connections.
Northwest Airlines, which has been testing the system on one of its 747s, has added personal video screens to the economy-class seats of two of its jets and will have a third in the air by the end of the month, said company spokesman Jon Austin. The airline plans to install the Nintendo equipment on 20 planes before the end of the year.
Passengers won't be allowed to use the equipment during takeoffs and landings. For safety reasons, most airlines also prevent the use of personal computers, CD players and other electronic equipment during those times.
Prices for the various services will be determined by airlines, hotels and cruise lines. Nintendo will collect a royalty.
For Nintendo, the system puts its games into the hands of more people, who might be more inclined to go to the toy store and buy home versions, said Jim Silver, publisher of The Toy Book, an industry publication.
But questions remain as to whether travelers want new gadgets rather than such services as more frequent flights or better airline meals.
by CNB