TM,
I appreciate how you and the gang have been keeping track on MSU. I don't keep in much contact with them since I'm probably not the most popular guy on Wyn Holloway's list. At first, I considered this to be a speculative play for a 100% gain or so, but I think your sources may be better than mine.
We're going higher in a big way. Below you find my observations on Bill Gates presentation to the American Cable Association. This is going to be a battle of the "Fustest with the mostest and the cheapest". Gates is trying to sell his WebTV concept for around $300 a copy and lock them into WindowsCE. However, the ADSL connectivity may be faster to erect, and thus to market.
What it does tell you is that ADSL or cable modem technology is the next sweet-spot in the Internet craze.
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Cspan is broadcasting Bill Gates discussing WebTV briefing the National Cable Association. The
following are some highlights. All of these issues pertain to AIME as a content provider and
hardware.
1. WebTV users are spending up to 2 1/2 hours longer online than computer users (ie: greater
comfort level) 600,000 current users.
2. Steve Guggenheim (WebTV product manager) discusses use of remote control creating ease of
use.
3. Can use videocamera to capture and email images. Combining WebTV with TV through tuner
card.
4. Using set-top box as VCR control device for recording programming.
5. Combining push of conventional Television with pull from the Internet.
6. WindowsCE being installed in WebTV set top box for applications use.
7. Will have chips to make it as powerful as a PC... video mail, web browsing, banking, IP telephone,
games.
8. Will be primarily cable based bandwidth.
I certainly hand it to Bill Gates. He has captured the vision of set-top box technology. Now for
some of the advantages of AIME/MSU technology and the USW connection...
Cable modem technology is expensive and generally requires a fiber-based network linking to a
local hub which convert the optical signal into an electrical one transferred via the final co-axial link
to your TV. Since I have a cable modem, I feel relatively blessed.
However, as you all may realize, there is a battle brewing between telecoms and cable corporations
as to which technology, Cable or xDSL, will be "fustest with the mostest". Both are direct
continuous connections with tremendous throughput.
AIME is gearing up to be a major participant in this struggle. However, this is a struggle which
plenty of market space for a number of competing technologies to compete and prosper.
Finally, as I recall from past conversations with a former MSU engineer, WebPassport/Netbox has a
very efficient O/S requires less DRAM memory, and Slipstream is apparently one of the best
technologies available for price/performance for converting digital to PAL/NTSC standard required
for viewing on your TV. It can do all of the things that WebTV can do, and do it cheaper. Hence,
the marketing strategy may permit providing the hardware free or at a discount and capturing
market share.
Somehow, know "Uncle Bill", I think they will continue to charge...:0)
It is what I have been waiting for for 2 years.
JMHO.
Regards,
Ron |
