Frank Eory wrote: > You're missing the point. Even when those new features > migrate into integrated DTV sets -- long after those > features have already been deployed in STBs -- the > features of a particular DTV set are frozen to the > consumer who buys that TV set and expects it to last > for many years. This depends on what the new features are. In some cases, an upgradeable "TV appliance" with built-in receiver may be able to accommodate the new features very quickly. In other cases, I agree, the customer might find that an external STB is desirable if the new features are that attractive. Also, some "appliances" might need the new features more than others. The recorder might need a new feature more than the TV set, for example. > In terms of the convergence debate, you seem to be a > believer in the "wonder box" theory -- that there will > be a single box that serves all our entertainment needs. You have it exactly 180 degrees off. I merely believe that boxes designed to extract signals from the DTV distribution media, and I repeatedly mention TVs *and* recording devices as obvious examples, should have the necessary equipment to interface with the most popular of these DTV distribution media. Customers should *not* be forced into gateways and separate internal networks just to be able to do what ought to be extremely simple. I've accepted the fact, for decades, that for every TV I buy, I'm wasting money on a crappy little amp and two crappy little speakers. I've never used these in any TV I've owned or been associated with, since senior year in college. But it's also obvious that enough people rely on these sub-par components that it makes sense for them to be integrated. Same applies, in spades, with built-in reception hardware. If you want to see real customer reluctance to buy DTV products, just show them that they'll be forced into a gateway and home network. Bert ---------------------------------------------------------------------- You can UNSUBSCRIBE from the OpenDTV list in two ways: - Using the UNSUBSCRIBE command in your user configuration settings at FreeLists.org - By sending a message to: opendtv-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word unsubscribe in the subject line.