The Walt Disney Company shows "television costs" as an asset on its balance sheet. In the notes to its financial statements, the following television cost disclosure was made:
Sept. 30, 2004 Sept. 30, 2003
Released, less amortization $ 893 $ 961
Completed, not released 175 126
In-process 292 283
In development or pre-production 24 11
Television costs: $1,384 $1,381
a. Interpret the four television cost asset categories.
b. How are these classifications similar or dissimilar to the inventory classifications used in a manufacturing firm?