LATEST ADDITIONS

They say a rising tide lifts all boats. It appears that the popularity of the DVD format is having a tremendous impact on sales of home theater components, according to the latest sales figures released by <A HREF="http://www.npdtechworld.com">NPDTechworld</A>.

<A HREF="http://www.echostar.com">Echostar Communications</A> has been planning to merge its popular Ku-band TV satellite service with Ka-band spectra that could add two-way broadbrand and interactive satellite Internet services, just like its competitors DirecTV and <A HREF="http://www.Direcpc.com/">DirecPC</A>have done. Operating on the 17.7 GHz, 21.2 GHz, 27.5 GHz and 31 GHz spectra, the KA-band slots would enable EchoStar's satellite to cover large areas with broadband service.

<I>Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson, Brad Renfro, Steve Buscemi, Illeana Douglas. Directed by Terry Zwigoff. Aspect ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic). Dolby 5.1 surround. 111 minutes. 2001. MGM 1002564. R. $26.98.</I>

The future for high definition digital video connection technology remains cloudy, so having a few choices is a plus. <A HREF="http://www.vividlogic.com">VividLogic</A>, which specializes in creating software for IEEE 1394 (Firewire, iLink) enabled consumer electronics products, announced last week that it has struck a deal with <A HREF="http://www.dishnetwork.com">EchoStar Communications</A> to deploy VividLogic's "FireBus" software to provide digital connectivity and interoperability in a future, next generation HDTV-compatible set-top box (STB).