Nolan Bushnell companies to approach to buy Atari. Meanwhile, Steve Ross, CEO of Warner Communications, noticed that his children were hovering around video game cabinets at Walt Disney World. Warner Communications was contacted about Atari by one of its investors to discuss purchasing the company. For $28 million, Warner Communications (now WarnerMedia) bought Atari, bringing the capital they needed for the VCS launch, which took place in August 1977. In November 1978, Bushnell was forced out of the company after a dispute with Warner over its future direction, notably on the lifespan of the Atari 2600 and their closed software strategy, which
Bartolini Pickups and Electronics Bartolini Pickups and Electronics Bartolini Pickups and Electronics is an American company who make guitar and bass pickups and electronics, such as pre-wired harnesses, pre-amps, and EQ modules. The company was founded in 1973 by Bill Bartolini, and is based in San Luis Obispo, California. The pickups and electronics are used by luthiers such as Michael Tobias Design, Pedulla, Overwater, Roscoe, Warrior, Elrick, Sukop, Mayones, Novax, Curbow and Zon. Ibanez installs Bartolini pickups on their middle-priced guitars and bases. They are also sold through musical retailers as replacements to upgrade existing instruments. Bill Bartolini began manufacturing magnetic pickups in 1973.