Conference koolit::disney

     CHICAGO, June 23 /CNW/ - Sega today announced its three year commitment
    to ``Innoventions,'' Epcot '94's permanent showcase for emerging products
    of industry and technology.
      Thomas J. Kalinske, president and CEO of Sega, will unveil a scale model
    of the exhibit today at the Consumer Electronics Show. The 10,000 square
    foot exhibit, the largest dedicated space at Innoventions, opens July 1
    and will allow visitors to preview the near future of interactive
    entertainment.
      ``Sega is shaping the evolution of digital interactive home
    entertainment,'' Kalinske said. ``At Innoventions, we can share our vision
    and technology with consumers even before most of these products come to
    market.''
      Sega's exhibit space itself was designed to recreate the look and feel of
    interactive gameplay. The evolutionary exhibit features 140 free Genesis,
    Sega CD, and Game Gear gameplay stations with the hottest new software
    titles. Visitors will be able to mingle with Sonic The Hedgehog and test
    the newest game titles, while previewing the latest arcade games and home
    entertainment technology, such as the Sega Channel and Edge-16, which will
    allow gamers to compete with one another over a telephone line. In fact,
    it will be demonstrated via a phone hook-up with another location in the
    pavilion.
      ``We are excited to showcase what we know to be the future of home
    entertainment,'' said Nancy Bassett, Director of Marketing for Sega of
    Canada. ``There is a new paradigm emerging in home entertainment that
    needs to be recognized by all members of the family. Disney is the perfect
    place to reach mom, dad and the kids.''
      The exhibit is divided into five environments: Action/Adventure, Sports,
    Family and Kids, Future and the Arcade. Each area features video games,
    graphics, lights, music and theme design elements that enhance the
    interactive experience: the Sports arena is dominated by a scorecard
    thrusting nearly 20 feet overhead; and the Family and Kids area will
    incorporate a 10-foot-tall statue of Sonic The Hedgehog and whimsical
    clouds floating overhead.
     In the center of the exhibit is an Arcade which features two of the
    latest arcade games incorporating state-of-the-art technology: Virtua
    Formula racing and the AS-1. Virtua Formula racing incorporates the newest
    polygon-graphic technology and offers a realistic simulation of Formula
    One racing as guests drive a full-motion replica of Formula One race cars.
    The AS-1 invites guests to board a three-axis simulator and compete
    against each other in a dynamic game of motion, sight and sound.
      Dynamic light boxes, game character cut-outs, fibre-optics signs, and
    video monitors tied to laser discs punctuate the exhibit's superstructure
    of towers and trusses that connect exhibit areas to one another.
      At 10,000 square feet, Sega's exhibit space is larger than any other
    exhibitor by 50 percent.
      Sega of Canada, Inc. is a subsidiary of Sega of America, Inc.
    headquartered in Redwood City, California. Sega of America is in turn a
    wholly-owned subsidiary of Sega Enterprises Ltd., of Japan, which
    generated $4 billion in worldwide sales last year.
                                                              

    By TIM RACE
    c. 1994 N.Y. Times News Service
       And now comes Disney World for the wired generation.
       Hoping to update the earnest-science-teacher image of its Epcot Center,
    Walt Disney World is about to open an exposition called Innoventions, a
    showcase of consumer electronics and creature comforts from the near future.
       The Lake Buena Vista, Fla., layout includes wrist telephones,
    computerized guitars and a house in which all the plumbing, heating and
    lighting thinks for itself.
       It's as if Disney had combined the Sharper Image catalogue and one of
    those utopian AT&T ``You Will'' television commercials about the digital
    future.
       Indeed, AT&T is one of the dozens of companies whose gadgetry will be on
    display at Innoventions, which opens for previews on Friday and opens
    officially in September.
       On Wednesday, Michael D. Eisner, chairman of the Walt Disney Co., will
    be in Manhattan for a news conference at the Waldorf Astoria to promote
    Innoventions, which he described in a recent news release as a place where
    ``the public will enjoy a privileged glimpse into their own future and
    that of their children.''
       Epcot Center, which opened in 1982, has always been a technological
    daydream. The name, in fact, is an acronym for Experimental Prototype
    Communities of Tomorrow. But now Disney World sees tomorrow as a bit more
    hip than it used to.
       One of the Innovention attractions will be Aladdin's Magic Carpet, where
    spectators will watch on overhead monitors as participants wearing
    virtual-reality headsets take a carpet ride through Disney-animated
    cyberspace.
       Epcot Center guests ``may never go to Mars,'' Eisner said, ``but they
    will use the information superhighway, advanced computer software, digital
    television, virtual reality, voice-controlled appliances, electric cars
    and smart-house features they will try for the first time at Innoventions.''
       00:27 EDT   JUNE 26, 1994
                                                                

    
      Imagineering Lab Showcases Immersive 'Aladdin' Experience in
          New Innoventions Pavilion at Walt Disney World Resort
      
    MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., July 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Walt Disney Co. (NYSE:
    DIS) and Silicon Graphics Inc. (NYSE: SGI) today unveiled the Walt Disney
    Imagineering (WDI) Labs at Epcot Center, Orlando, Fla., which offers a
    sneak preview of Disney's first work in virtual reality. Based on the
    full-length animated film, "Aladdin," the new exhibit combines Silicon
    Graphics' visual computing expertise with the creative talents of the Walt
    Disney Imagineering team.
      "The entertainment industry is the technology driver of the decade.
    By collaborating with Disney, the unparalleled leader in defining the
    animation experience, we will set a new standard for the converging worlds
    of technology and entertainment," said Mike Ramsay, senior vice president
    of Silicon Graphics' Visual Systems Group.  "Today's audiences expect
    experiences that are realistic, exciting and interactive.  WDI delivers
    Disney's renowned technical mastery and artistic innovation, while giving
    audiences a taste of next-generation virtual reality entertainment."
      The Walt Disney Imagineering Labs is designed to give the public a
    glimpse of how Disney creates its magic.  Nearly half the Labs' exhibit
    replicates the actual working environment at Walt Disney Imagineering in
    Glendale, Calif.  The exhibit highlights "Imagineers at work" creating
    virtual reality experiences on Silicon Graphics' family of computer systems.
      The other portion of the Labs is designed for guests of Walt Disney
    World to immerse themselves in Aladdin's town of "Agrabah." Guests will be
    taken through Agrabah in a quest for Aladdin's lamp, where they view,
    interact and virtually "fly" through scenes from the movie.
      From four virtual reality flight stations, guests will experience a
    "test flight" aboard the film's popular magic carpet -- all in a virtual
    world created with Silicon Graphics systems.  Guests view the experience on
    miniature wide-angle television screens contained in head-mounted displays
    and control the images they see by grasping the edge of the magic carpet.
      The Walt Disney Imagineering Labs also feature a real-time computer
    version of Iago, the classic Disney animated character from Aladdin,
    who hosts the experience and travels with guests.  A breakthrough in
    real-time character animations, Iago can exhibit more than 100 movements
    including gestures such as winking, laughing and crying.
    To create this level of animation and realism, WDI utilizes Silicon
    Graphics' Onyx(TM) graphics supercomputers, which deliver the world's
    fastest graphics and advanced supercomputing performance.  The Onyx
    systems, which incorporate RealityEngine2(TM) graphics subsystems, are at
    the technological heart of the exhibit. The systems provide a combination
    of high frame rates, sharp pictures and rich scenes that are animated
    in real-time using the IRIS Performer(TM) application software. WDI also
    utilizes Silicon Graphics' Indigo2(TM) desktop systems for modeling and
    animation design.  All Silicon Graphics systems are based on the powerful
     64-bit MIPS(R) RISC microprocessor architecture from MIPS Technologies
    Inc.
      "To develop a true virtual reality experience that allows visitors to
    enter and become immersed in the Aladdin environment, Walt Disney
    Imagineering Labs required the performance and high-end graphics
    capabilities of the world's most advance supercomputers," said Jon Snoddy,
    senior show designer at WDI.  "Silicon Graphics is a company which
    builds itself around pushing the high-end graphics envelope.  It has been
    exciting to work together to build a real-time system that will produce
    Disney-quality story and art."
      Walt Disney Imagineering Labs will be fully operational in Fall 1994.
    WDI will continue to embrace future Silicon Graphics technology as it
    enhances the virtual world software and migrates from the sneak preview
    forum to other Disney venues.
      Silicon Graphics Inc. is a leading manufacturer of high-performance
    visual computing and data server systems.  The company delivers
    interactive three-dimensional graphics, digital media and multiprocessing
    supercomputing technologies to technical and commercial environments
    through direct and indirect channels. Its subsidiary, MIPS Technologies
    Inc., designs and licenses the industry's leading RISC processor
    technology for the computer systems and embedded control markets. 
    Silicon Graphics has offices worldwide and headquarters in Mountain View.

    I had the opportunity to view an SGI promotional videotape of the
    Imagineering/SGI Aladdin VR exhibit. Everything looked fantastic on a 2-D 
    videotape so I can imagine what the real thing must be like. In addition 
    to the visual effects of the headworn display there are also audio effects
     which surround you with the sounds of the marketplace as you fly through 
    the city. You also sit on the magic carpet which moves as you change 
    direction by grasping the edges of the carpet. 

    It looks pretty slick but with only 4 stations to "ride" I would expect 
    some pretty long lines. 

    Actually, guests are selected randomly to "test" the VR prototypes so
    it's not everyone who gets to ride the carpet.
    
    Mike

   Guests to Motorola' Exhibit Will Experience the Future
                       of Wireless Communications
  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Today at the
grand opening of Walt Disney World's  INNOVENTIONS(TM) at Epcot '94,
Motorola (NYSE: MOT)unveiled the blueprint for its "Travel the Information
Skyway(TM)" exhibit.  Scheduled to formally open in Spring 1995,
the exhibit will enable guests to travel the Skyway, which explores
and demonstrates how they can use wireless products for worldwide
communications.  The Skyway exhibit will showcase how wireless
communication products will take guests into the 21st century and
beyond.
  "Like Disney, Motorola believes it is essential to allow people
to explore and enjoy the technologies that will continue to change
their lives," said Bob Growney, executive vice president of Motorola,
Inc., and president and general manager of its Messaging, Information and
Media Sector.  "In the Motorola exhibit at INNOVENTIONS, guests will be
able to experience how wireless technology will be the key to limitless
access to information and communications from all over the world."
  Travel the Information Skyway
  When unveiled next spring, guests to the Motorola exhibit will
experience how wireless technology is the Information Skyway of the near
future. 
Through the use of interactive virtual reality and three-
dimensional effects, guests will live the experience of how wireless
communications are transmitted and received.  Via the Information Skyway, guests
will direct their wireless message travel anywhere in the world.
Nearby, a large scale video wall will display the path of the journey
through the  Skyway.  While traveling in and out of a signal's trip around the
earth, images will emphasize the speed and immediacy of Motorola's
wireless communication network.  Music and computer animation will enliven
the exhibit.  Guests will have an opportunity to see new and
compellingMotorola products such as the Envoy(TM) Personal
Wireless Communicator and the Wireless Sports Channel(TM).
  Guests will also get the chance to test
drive the Intelligent Vehicle Highway System from inside the
"Smart Car" display.  Motorola is one of the world's leading providers of
wireless communications, semiconductors and advanced electronic systems
and services.  Major equipment businesses include cellular telephone,
two-way radio, paging and data communications, personal communications,
automotive, defense and space electronics and computers.
Revenues in 1993 were approximately $17 billion.
  NOTE: Motorola, "Travel the Information Skyway," Envoy and
Wireless Sports Channel are trademarks of Motorola, Inc. Other names and
product names may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their
respective owners.

Headline:   GM IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS DISNEY'S INNOVENTIONS GRAND  OPENING


  ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- General Motors' Impact
electric vehicle (EV) transported Judson Green, president of Walt Disney
Attractions, to the grand opening of Innoventions, the newest
addition to Disney's EPCOT '94.  Innoventions is also the home to GM's 4,000
square foot exhibit featuring the Impact and EV technology.
  "We're enthusiastic about the opportunity to showcase our
state-of-the-art electric vehicle technology, and at the same time expand
our 14-year partnership with Walt Disney World," said Philip
Guarascio, GM vice-president of marketing and advertising.  "GM's participation
at Innoventions is a natural fit -- showcasing the latest inventions
and innovations."
  The centerpiece of the new GM display is the original prototype
Impact electric car, which debuted at the Los Angeles auto show in 1990.
The exhibit, which focuses on EV education, features components and
materials that comprise the technologically advanced electric vehicle, such
as the magnesium seat frame and steering wheel rim, inductively coupled
charging system, T-shaped lead-acid battery pack, and AC induction motor.
 In addition to the displays, a GM representative entertains
Innoventions visitors with a fun and fact-filled oration on the Impact and EV
technology.
  "The display also serves as a tribute to the men and women of
GM, and their dedication to developing advanced technologies and
producing world-class vehicles,"  Guarascio said.  "We are very proud to be
an industry leader in EV technology, and we want the world to know."
  To highlight the opening ceremonies, Green drove up to the
event in a limited-production Impact.  The vehicle is one of 50 prototypes
currently in the hands of potential EV customers as part of GM's two-year
PrEViewDrive Program, planned to cover 12 U.S. cities.  In conjunction with each
city's utility company, GM is researching the future needs of EV
customers and the infrastructure necessary to support EVs in the
marketplace.  More than 1,000 utility customers will drive the prototypes for
two- or four-week periods.  The program is currently running in Los
Angeles and Phoenix, and will begin in San Francisco in October.

         INNOVENTIONS OPENS AT DISNEY'S EPCOT '94


  LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Sept. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- INNOVENTIONS,
Epcot 94's exposition of new technologies and inventions for home work and
play from America's most forward-thinking companies, was opened here today
by Judson Green, president of Walt Disney Attractions.
  Epcot guests will be able to see, touch and try the newest
breakthrough products that will be on the market in the very near future,
Green told more than 700 news reporters from the U.S., Europe, South America
and Japan at grand opening ceremonies.
  Today's opening follows a three-month preview during which
significant changes and additions were made in keeping with the commitment to
constantly add new products and ideas.  Exhibits include
everything from wrist phones, more than 200 new SEGA video games, a self-
cleaning public restroom and the electric-powered GM Impact car, to computer
hardware and information network programs which will soon create the
information super highway.  A new experimental virtual reality system will let
guests fly on Aladdin's magic carpet.
  Companies already include such industry leaders, as IBM, Apple,
GM, GE, Honeywell, AT&T, LEGO Dacta, Videonics, Oracle, Hammachedr
Schlemmer and Masco.  Today, Green announced that Motorola will soon join the
list of hi-tech exhibitors.  Executives of those firms attended today's
opening.
  INNOVENTIONS covers 100,000 square feet in the heart of Future
World.  On October 1, Epcot '94 becomes Epcot '95, symbolizing the Walt
Disney World's determination to always keep Future World ahead of
the times. 

    Innoventions West has a virtual walk-through of the Basilica of St.
    Peter's in Rome, as it exists today and as it existed in the 15th
    century before its demolition.