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Now that DSL connections are outnumbering dial-up users in some parts of the world, the concept of dedicated IP radios or music sourcing systems becomes increasingly practical and attractive.

What's more, the cost of the components needed to integrate IP connectivity into consumer electronic devices has fallen through the floor so it wouldn't cost manufacturers much at all to add a network port to the back of your new radio, stereo, PVR, etc.

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And think of the convenience of being able to tune in to any streamed audio feed available on the net, simply by selecting a preset or using a simple LCD-based interface/touch-screen.

Imagine also just how many non-techie types might be lured into purchasing music online if all they had to do was pop in a blank CDR and call up the track they wanted to purchase. In a few minutes, the CD you've purchased is spat out and can be used in your stereo.

Even your aging granny could use something like that!

But take things a step further and perhaps you'll soon find that the next photocopier or printer you buy will also allow you to automatically download a special version of your local (or international) newspaper which then gets printed out and is ready for you to read on good old tree-pulp.

Want more?

How about the ability to download cheap videos from various vendors?

Select the movies or videos you want and then, while you're sleeping, they're downloaded in SVCD (better than broadcast) quality, ready for viewing the next day/evening.

It's this level of consumer packaging and no-brainer operation that will really open up the market for IP-delivery of print, audio and video media to the masses.

While I'm sure that there are various examples of these ideas already available in small quantities, I'm pretty sure that the first of these IP-connected consumer items will be the VOIP phone -- and indications are that quite a few major manufacturers are preparing to roll out such items.

Could it be that, before too long, more people will be using the Net through these appliances than through a browser?

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