But it will. What do you think PA is doing? The set top box will be able to add peripherals, such as a keyboard. So on one pipe, you can have tv, internet, phone, etc. All require digital, two-way upgrades.
Content and cable mixed doesn't necessarily equal web-TV. I'm accessing Go2Net content via a cable modem right now .. on my computer. :) WebTV is a decent initiative, sure, but I'm telling you the future is a TV-computer fusion, in favor of the computer. The TV is analogous to the monitor/video subsystem of a computer, and it doesn't do anything smart. It COULD. But it seems silly to spend so many resources retrofitting the TV so it can play catch-up when a computer has infinitely more power and potential. To me, TV is a holdover from a previous generation. I will stop watching it altogether when the computer can satisfactorily perform its function - receiving, recording, and replaying network video.
Complicated computer programs are another thing, but the majority of the population doesn't need that capability.
Complicated "software" is far easier and cheaper to develop, maintain, install, and upgrade than complicated "hardware". And for a few hundred bucks you can buy a PC that gives you internet connectivity and telephony, and a crystal clear picture. Why bother with WebTV?
-G |
