Michael, re: TV/PC convergence
It's funny, we have been talking on this thread for many years about the PC and TV morphing into one product. For home PC's and TV's, it has always seemed, to me, an inefficient waste of money to have two separate screens with essentially the same function. I thought that some company would have taken advantage of this long before now, capitalism usually doesn't tolerate paying double for the same benefit.
I think we both agree (from many posts in the past) that there is a HUGE opportunity in combining PC's and TV's. IMHO, it is where the game will eventually be won or lost for many (PC & TV) companies. The growth of HDTV broadcast makes the stakes even higher.
One of two things WILL happen. The PC manufacturers will produce a product that is great for TV and now especially HDTV, or the TV manufacturers will come out with a product that will have internet access and other PC capabilities that is acceptable to the consumer. I would give 10 to 1 odds that in 5 years, TV's and PC's will be the same product. Component companies like Intel have to lead the way for their customers, otherwise, the end game will be lost to the TV manufacturers.
re: "Access to high speed bandwidth on the internet is being solved by a multitude of companies even as we speak, more and more SI participants are reporting the joy of super high speed access."
I've had Road Runner cable internet for almost a year. It's great, but it doesn't make sense that I can't attach one product that will work as both a TV and PC, attached to the same cable.
re: "It looks to me like Bill Gates was right in his book "The Road Ahead"."
I agree, but it's taking a LOT longer than I thought. The companies with their futures at stake seem to be spending most of their time defending their turf, not trying to really innovate.
Thanks,
John
|
