Reader Comments on Aardvark Daily 19 March 2002

Note: the comments below are the unabridged submissions of readers and do
not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.
 

From: Bede
For : The Editor (for publication)
Subj: SKy tv

Oh yes and dont forget with your box theres a lot of
software unencryption programs you can use to get cable /
sattilite tv...

so if you add one of those to your boxen u get free sky to
boot!




From: Robert Burling-Claridge
For : The Editor (for publication)
Subj: Set-top box options

I agree with your assessment of the desirability and
versatility of a computer-based set-top for entertainment
centre. However there is one missing link, and thats the
DVD writer. While these are available, they are
horrendously expensive, and the reliability, readibility
and ease of use, are much like the first of the CD writers.

I can definitely see the technology moving as you are
sugesting, but its a bit of a stretch to say this will be
available in the $1000 computer!  One would not want to set
up such a system to run into poorer quality, small
moniotrs, for example (although even a 14" computer monitor
is better size and MUCH better resolution than the small TV
screens).

There is also the thorny question of copyright, and
possible actions by various vendors and suppliers to screw
with copying systems such that if you can copy at all, the
quality will be too poor to make it worth while.

I think its a bit early to consider setting up such a
system as a complete replacement, but the day is rapidly
approaching when that will no longer be true.




From: Simon Drain
For : The Editor (for publication)
Subj: E-mails to MPs

Last week, you discussed the problems you had in sending an
e-mail to an MP, and how he wanted to send a letter back.

On the weekend, I sent an e-mail to Nandor Tanzcos. I
doubted that I would get a response at all. On the one
hand, the Green MPs were probably reluctant to turn on the
computers as it uses precious electricity, but on the other
hand, they probably didn't want to use precious paper to
post a letter either!

To my surprise, I got an e-mail last night. And more
surprising, it looks like it was written by Nandor himself!
It was a rather casual response, and was signed off with
his first name only.

Way to go, Nandor!




From: Chris
For : The Editor (for publication)
Subj: PC in your rack

Funny you should mention the PC replacing the home
entertainment system. Many times, over a few drinks on a
Friday, myself and collegues have discussed the merits of
having a small PC lodged into the stereo stack. We even
designed it, created it, and did everything but install it.
It's a great idea, it's time has almost come.

Cost? Using your existing TV as the screen, unit is under
$1,200+GST and the price drops almost daily. When DVD
burners (and media) drop to realistic prices, this unit
will become highly marketable.

The market? Sadly, for the near future, there are not
enough clever people out there who can drive one of these
machines. Most people still can't program their videos yet!




From: Bede
For : The Editor (for publication)
Subj: tivo

I saw some cheap hd recording vcr type devices while in the
states a few years ago they came with a 20 gig drive and
cost a mere $300 us
I imagine they would be down to $300 nzd by now




From: craig sutton
For : The Editor (for publication)
Subj: SKY PVR box

Let me get this right. Sky downgrades its current receiver
software and makes it frustrating slow and buggy for the
user to use. Then says when it launches a PVR box it will
be marketed directly to consumers in the shops. This puts
ALL the cost of the unit onto the consumer. For what is a
limited unit that will only record SKYS encrypted signal
format (and possibly terrestrial FTA's) the box would be
useless when any other pay tv service launches.

Another point, in the U.K where these have been launched
you actually pay a separate subscription for the pleasure
of using the "personal program guide" that the PVR works
with.

Rupert Murdoch is in trouble in the U.K just do a search in
the search engines for articles about Canal+ NDS. According
to report he got his techs to hack a competing PAY tv
encryption and releeased the codes on the net. He is being
sued for about 3 Billion!! If this goes through it could be
the end of him and Sky TV. None of the press in NZ is
reporting on this...which is not surprising considering the
media link between Sky and INL. Skys shares in the U.K have
plummeted..