Barry Willis

Jamie Kellner, the <A HREF="http://www.tbs.com">Turner Broadcasting System</A> chairman, who proclaimed that viewers have a "contract" with broadcasters to watch commercials, has predicted that digital video recorders could spell the end of free television programming. Kellner has been widely quoted as saying that viewers who "take too many bathroom breaks" are "stealing the programming."

It's obvious to anyone paying attention that consumers love flat-panel displays&mdash;those who are aware of them, that is. Unfortunately for the consumer electronics industry, only a small percentage of potential flat-panel purchasers are either aware of the devices or aware that prices have been steadily dropping while performance improves.

Chalk up another one for the big guys. A San Antonio, TX judge has dismissed price-fixing <A HREF="http://www.guidetohometheater.com/shownews.cgi?1318">charges</A> brought by independent video dealers against video retail giant Blockbuster, Inc. and several Hollywood studios.

Size is definitely an advantage in commodity retailing. In an antitrust suit begun in mid-June, the7800-store chain <A HREF="http://www.blockbuster.com">Blockbuster, Inc.</A>&mdash;the world's largest video retailer&mdash;admitted that it has an advantage over its smaller competitors, but claimed no wrongdoing in the process of negotiating favorable revenue-sharing deals with Hollywood studios.