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To: RTev who wrote (12817)	10/12/1999 5:30:00 PM
From: Sarkie	Respond to of 28311

I agree with you RTev We are talking about two totally separate audiences.

To: RTev who wrote (12817)	10/12/1999 8:29:00 PM
From: yzfool	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 28311

Rtev, you posted: <Charter is and will probably be for some time to come a relatively small cable operator.> Define "some time." I think cable property acquisition and consolidation will move ahead aggressively because the opportunities are available now and may not be in some time. YZ

To: RTev who wrote (12817)	10/12/1999 10:26:00 PM
From: Hawkmoon	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 28311

I see them as separate initiatives. The plans outlined the other day for the broadband portal strategy focus on TV settop boxes. That's a technology that's different enough from a computer-based internet connection that the two will probably remain largely distinct. Well, I agree to a certain extent RTev. But I also see a MUCH wider target audience being made available through the use of settop boxes (and I don't expect HDTV to take off for 2-3 years while PAL/NTSC style TVs will be around for quite a bit after that). There are millions of potential customers out there who remain part of the "unwashed masses" who either don't know how to use a computer, or remain befuddled by the complexity of Win98 based platforms). As for that "flicker" you refer to, not all set-tops have that. And there are companies out there who offer a higher quality resolution for converting digital to PAL/NTSC format. There exists some specific ASICs out there which reduce or eliminate that flicker. I'm a big believer in set-top boxes (since I've given up training my parents to use a computer) and to broaden ecommerce possibilities, it is necessary to bring EVERYONE onto the net. Btw, while it's true that TVs are limited to the actual amount of content that can appear on the screen at one time, this is not any different from the limitations with 14" or 15" screens. You just have to scroll down or over to read all the content. Heck, I have a 19" monitor and I still have to scroll around to read everything on a webpage. And we know how many WebTB users are out here on SI so we know it is possible for them to peruse this site. The real issue is how will JAVA and Shockwave based sites be forced to offer two different versions of their websites to accomodate all viewers. Regards, Ron