Tivo and Netflix get married
Looks like you’ll be able to download movies your Tivo, thanks to a new partnership with Netflix. No more fiddling with clunky DVD’s. Just pick the movies you want to watch and they are sent to you over the Internet to your Tivo.
VOIP
Heard of VOIP? NO??? VOIP stands for Voice Over Internet (Protocol). Basically this technology allows you to make quality “phone” calls over the Internet for free. As time goes on more and more homes are outfitted with super high bandwidth Internet connections. At the moment this means DSL and cable, but soon it will mean fiber. Currently phone companies such as SBC are testing fiber to residential homes in select markets. I wonder if this is part of their future strategy to be The One provider of all things Internet and entertainment?
Cell phones #1
These days everyone has a cell phone. In fact, the gubmint just released a report that stated there are more cell phone numbers in the United States than land lines. That comes as no surprise to me, really. I remember years ago I told my dad that one day everyone would have a cell phone and nobody would have a land line home phone. He said I was crazy…
Digital revolution to hit TV next?
Back in the day the first cell phones were analog. This meant that each cell phone had its own band. The problem with this was there are a finite number of bands. Then came the digital revolution. Instead of transferring data in analog mode via individual bands, the new digital phones and networks could transfer data via 1’s and 0’s over single bands. I was thinking the other day what’s to stop that happening to TV sets? Why do I need to be tethered to a cable for TV entertainment? I mean, the TV analog bands are already there, why can’t they transmit a bazillion channels in digital form over a single analog band?
VOIP wireless cell phones
OK you’ve heard of cell phones of course, and I’ve already mentioned VOIP. I’m sure most of you are familiar with wireless Internet for like laptops and stuffs. What about VOIP wireless Internet mobile phones? As long as your special mobile is near a wireless Internet connection you can make VOIP phone calls! With the proliferation of Wi-Fi these days, and some cities even offering free wireless Internet throughout, is this the next big thing?
Super high speed, high definition wireless
For connecting things like speakers, DVD players, TV sets, computer monitors and anything else electronic. Sort of like Bluetooth but much, much better. I know they are close to releasing it (the first generation will be available this Christmas). I forgot the official name unfortunately, but that doesn’t really matter does it? One day soon you won’t have to connect any wires to anything, it will all be wireless. The only wire will be for power.