PLUGGED IN : NEWS BYTES.

SONY'S STATION: In an effort to create a ``total entertainment center'' on the Web, Sony has launched its own Internet-based network, The Station (http://www.station.sony.com). The site recycles much of the company's television and music content - ``Jeopardy! Online,'' ``Wheel of Fortune Online,'' ``Days of Our Lives - Salem Online'' and ``The Young and the Restless - Genoa City Online.'' According to a company spokesman, Sony plans to expand the site by rolling out new content and on-line games on a regular basis.

HIGH-TECH LEGOS: Colorado toy manufacturer Lasy USA has merged the Lego concept with robotics. The Lasy Junior Control set provides 66 large, plastic pressure-lock bricks, which can be assembled into a variety of models. Then add the easy-to-use gears, motor, lights, switches and switches to the toy's computer interface, which attaches to the printer port of any PC. Access the interface and the child's simple block set turns into a moving robot. The set retails for $199.95 and is available by calling Lasy at [phone].

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TUNE INTO THE TUBE: Only in L.A.: Trapped on the freeway and bored with talk radio? Then turn on a little Ricki Lake or Jerry Springer. Synergy Systems has introduced a new gadget, the Clicker Digital, that lets people listen to television through their car radio. The Clicker, a small cassette people pop into their stereo, works as a digital tuner that captures local TV signals. The device retails for $89.95. Consumers can get more information through the company's Web site (http://www.TVInCars.com) or by calling 800-CLICKER.

RX ON YOUR PC: Lowell General Hospital believes an informed patient is in the best position to make wise health care decisions. So the Massachusetts hospital launched the Electric Apple Journal (http://www.lowellgeneral.org/). Users can check their health by filling out a questionnaire and receiving their heart disease risk factor in e-mail. And try this one before lunch: A video feed is provided of a surgeon's endoscope or laparoscope.

RANDOM ACCESS

JOIN STARFLEET: Film director Martin Denning will go where no one has gone before. As the lead force behind the PC game ``Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,'' Denning has pulled together an all-star cast for Interplay's soon-to-be released $4 million title. ``Starfleet Academy'' follows cadet David Forester (played by Peter Kluge) through academy training and into the great unknown. The game also stars original ``Star Trek'' cast members William Shatner, George Takei and Walter Koenig. ``Starfleet Academy'' will be released this spring.

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3 Photos

Photo: (1--Color) No caption (Sony's Station web site page)

(2--Color) No caption (Clicker Digital)

(3--Color) No caption (Star Trek space ship)