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Examines how airplane cabins will soon provide all the comforts of home: personal video screens, CD-quality audio programs, and phones that send and receive calls. Airlines that are already offering their passengers new audio and video services;Technology behind services.

Examines how the home telephone is on the verge of a historic overhaul in form and function, promising easier access to services such as banking and shopping. Specifics on new models including AT&T's Smart Phone and Northern Telecom's screen phone, code-named Sesame. INSET: Whatever happened to picture phones?, by C.O..

Discusses how higher-power satellites are shrinking the size and cost of home satellite dishes, serving up dozens of new viewing options. Latest satellite ventures known as direct broadcast satellite (DBS) systems which include PrimeStar and SkyPix. INSET: SkyPix's pay-per-view, by C.O..

Examines how computerized navigation systems are changing the primal relationship between drivers and their cars. Specifics on systems which use a single compact disc to store map information and directions, chart a driver's progress and even give traffic alerts. INSET: Calling all cars: Traffic ahead, by C.O..

Reports that portable computers and cellular-radio phones are merging into complete on-the-go communications systems. Now users can send and receive electronic mail, facsimiles, other computer data--plus conventional voice phone calls. Capabilities; Specific models. INSET: Excuse me, my laptop is beeping.;Electronic mail: An adventure....

Reports that the latest generation of computer and communications products is making the home office a versatile and affordable option for millions more people every year. Looks at several PCs, fax machines and modems that can link a home office to the rest of the world. INSET: The science of getting small; Home Agent: A new link that....

Discusses how computer failure, once considered an inconvenience, can now mean a potential disaster. Long-distance networks collapse, bank machines don't deliver cash, and airplanes sometimes fly without radar monitors. INSET: One solution to computer glitches: Fault-tolerant systems....

Reports that small, lighter portable computers that can do more with less are on the horizon. Innovative memory cards that replace power-hungry disk drives; Specific models including the Safari SSL/25 from AT&T's NCR division and Sharp's new PC-6781. INSET: Playing the cards--a new standard, by C.O..

Discusses a clever hi-fi gadget called a digital sound-field processor. Whether built into equipment or added to an audio system, it sonically changes the apparent size and acoustic characteristics of any listening room. INSET: Creating concert halls in your home with digital signal....