MUSIC

Dive on the Desktop

WHEN TORI AMOS PERFORMED for free at the new Virgin Megastore in New York City, the Net was watching from Atlantic Records' Digital Arena (http://www.atlantic-records.com/).  And no one needed any hardware or software besides a Java-enabled Web browser.  That's because Atlantic used Thinking Pictures' new Rockpipe software to broadcast video on the Internet.  Rockpipe uses Netscape's server-push feature to transmit 12 frames per second at 28.8 kbps, and smooth video on high-speed connections (like T1 lines).  The rest of the arena consisted of inspired uses of low tech:  an Atlantic employee armed with a cell phone described the event and interviewed audience members, while someone back at the office typed his commentary onto the Web site.  Next up in the Digital Arena:  The Tragically Hip on May 31.