Ken, I won't fully disagree with your point, but I think there should be a clarification. My contacts have told me and it was confirmed on the SFA call that any delay in rolling out VOD is out of choice, not a technology problem or difficulty in delivering the service. IT is there if the MSO's want to flick the switch once a acceptable penetration rate is achieved in a particular system. In addition, we will have the momentum of selections. As MSO's commit to server selection, it becomes easier to model earnings potential and growth. Time Warner is the only major MSO that has "publicly" selected server companies. Marcus has not yet made that statement, but I would expect that it will be the case soon.
In fact, now that cablelabs has pushed IP telephony into late 2000 or 2001 (IP telephony was the big buzz at cable show next to VOD), this would allow for more focus on internet and VOD deployment going forward.
By the way, some wild stuff is being planned by SFA and others for the home. The new plan involves the Set top box or cable modem as a "local" hub to the home. The TV or PC will be the host and the cable line the main pipe into the home. The MSO will then use the wired twisted pair copper wire that flows through most rooms in the home to create a network (WAN/LAN)to attach appliances, security systems, video cameras, lighting, garage doors, sprinklers, pool system, climate control, electricity monitoring and billing, entertainment system and anything else they can dream up. |
