Re: Stereo's Future

[P3D John Ohrt <johrt@xxxxxxx>]

P3D Michael Kersenbrock wrote:

> In terms of Gate's "vision" that the PC will be integrated with
> the (HD)TV as an appliance, I agree.  For moving of what currently
> is a PC, possibly not.  Current TV's can and have been used as
> a computer screen for years, but, really, it's a crummy one. :-(
> They'll be even worse if one wants to interlaced 3D with a 30-Hz
> refresh rate per image.

I don't think that Gate's "vision" will necessarily appear.  But I don't
think that Gate's view was totally flawed.   The display portion of HDTV is
trivial and already exceeded by currently available computer display
technology in the enthusiasts martket. I don't disagree that HDTV is not good
enough for some applications,  just that it is no substitute for a computer.

I do own a 16 year old TV set and it is good enough.  I don't own a 16 year
old computer but I had one in 1980!!!  I think that the computer portion of
the HDTV combo will be obsolete long before the TV.  Consumers won't like
that!

The problem is, just like ISDN, by the time it appears, superior technology
and user demands have changed.  Your 30 Hz refresh comment is right on
target!  The kids are already playing 3D games requiring 120 Hz min refresh.
Recently released video cards at the consumer high end support 1024x768 at
150 Hz and some even go higher.  That's today!!!!

Ah but millions already have access to ISDN.

I just came from a community that had ADSL and cable (up to 10 Mbps !!!!).
Both were cheaper than ISDN and I know that the fix was in to keep the price
artificially high just so they wouldn't be accused of obliterating all those
mom and pop IAPs.  ADSL, 1.75 Mbps, unlimited access went for $70 Cdn/month.

The problem with ISDN and HDTV is that tthe regulatory agencies were so
concerned about not obsoleting the current technology, that they overlooked
that they were obsoleting the furture technology.  My opinion is that ISDN
and HDTV couldn't have been more screwed up if the anarchists had been in
control.

Where I currently live, I do know that some techies actually select the
location of their home based on telecommunications services and upgrade
potential!!!


But this is really off topic now.  Lets go offline in this area  :-)

--

John Ohrt * Toronto * ON * Canada




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