RCA’s latest laser beam: With so many potential applications for small, accurate and powerful optical scanner data capture devices, RCA in the US has developed a document reader using a one millionth cubic inch semiconductor diode (…)

Rockwell launches 8-bit micro system: An eight-bit microprocessor is now on offer for evaluation from Rockwell International, and two new European companies are to introduce minicomputers built around it. Designated the PPS-8, for parallel processing system (…)

InterScan handles Barclaycard task: Sales vouchers from shops and other outlets accepting Barclaycards provide the bulk of the source data now being captured for computer processing by three InterScan 2100 key-to-disc systems with a total of 76 VDU key-stations (…)

PoS market bid by Sweda: With big hopes of securing a sizeable share of the still largely untapped European point-of-sale market, Litton Sweda has introduced a completely new PoS system, the 800/80, as a world-wide replacement for the 700 series. With powerful interactive (…)

Progress towards a PoS code system: The development of a Standard Product Numbering System, SPNS, by the UK grocery trade has taken another step forward with the decision by the SPNS steering group, set up by the Institute of Grocery Distribution, to follow the recommendations of the report into the feasibility of SPNS published last October. The report, produced (…)

Thermal printer from DACE: A compact thermal printer aimed at the communications terminal, programmable calculator, process control and automatic test system markets has been announced by DACE, part of the Muirhead group of companies. Known as Dataprint, the new thermal printer costs £198 for a single unit with discounts available for OEM quantities (...)

TV data service nearer: An up-to-the-minute news and information service, based on the Oracle data transmission system using modified domestic television receivers, is planned by the Independent Broadcasting Authority. And the Home Secretary has now approved the introduction of both Oracle and the BBC’s Ceefax system for a two-year experimental period. (...)

Cash terminals plan by Lloyds: Once again Lloyds Bank has taken the lead in introducing new automated customer facilities to the UK. It is planning to install Cashpoint cash-dispensing terminals into stores and offices, and to have on-line automatic teller terminals outside bank branches. Both devices are manufactured by IBM. Lloyds has now completed its first phase of IBM 2984 Cashpoint terminal installations, and has almost 500 installed inside 300 branches in England and Wales, and in December it embarks on the first installation of Cashpoints at non-bank locations.