[Am-info] TV set top boxes

[Geoffrey]

John Poltorak wrote:
> On Sun, May 05, 2002 at 09:30:49PM -0400, Geoffrey wrote:
> 
>>Paul Rickard wrote:
>>
>>
>>>    I think the hardware is like a PC - the manufacturing company sells 
>>>them to cable and sattelite providers, then THOSE companies pick the 
>>>software. The providers are already doing one smart thing - preventing 
>>>lockin by using non-proprietary hardware. Some that chose MS have already 
>>>had to switch because the software was so terrible.
>>>
>>I don't know which boxes AT&T uses, but they were to initially use M$ on 
>>a small subset of there boxes.  This came about shortly after M$ 
>>invested in AT&T.  There were rumblings that M$ was not pleased with the 
>>small part they were getting of the AT&T boxes.  Later, the whole deal 
>>fell apart because M$ kept delaying there software.  
>>
> 
> Do you have any verifiable reports of these delays?

Google is your friend:

http://www.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/09/25/interactive.television.idg/

"It's not clear what effect the announcement will have on Microsoft's 
work for AT&T. Last year, Microsoft invested $5 billion in AT&T and 
received a contract for 7.5 million ITV systems with an option to add 
2.5 million more. But Microsoft, based in Redmond, Wash., has delayed 
its delivery to AT&T until the beginning of 2001. If AT&T awards 
Liberate a large set-top box contract, the move would send the software 
giant's ITV group reeling."

http://news.com.com/2100-1033-277261.html

"Microsoft's huge investment in the cable giant has not given it much of 
an advantage in the past, however. AT&T Broadband originally did agree 
to try out Microsoft's interactive TV software, but ultimately switched 
emphasis to competitor Liberate Technologies' products. The cable 
company has not made final decisions about interactive TV plans, however."



> 
> I'm trying to compile a list of Microsoft's failure to deliver on it's 
> promises.
> 
> 
> I have a good one here:-
> 
> http://old.smh.com.au/news/0202/28/biztech/biztech100.html
> 
> 
> Commonwealth Bank of Australia managing director David Murray today
> launched a scathing attack on the information technology industry,
> accusing it of failing to deliver promises.
> 
> Mr Murray said the Commonwealth Bank and other IT users had "some
> serious issues" with the industry.
> 
> He said the United States' IT industry had "singlehandedly wrecked the
> world economy over the last couple of years".
> 
> Mr Murray singled out Microsoft for particular criticism, saying the
> IT giant had failed to deliver its promises.
> 
> 
> We are all aware of Microsoft's appalling track record on delivery, but I 
> don't know if it is actually listed anywhere.
> 
> BTW the URL above was changed recently. If anyone is collating these 
> things can you update your links?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>>-- 
>>Until later: Geoffrey		esoteric@3times25.net
>>
> 
> 


-- 
Until later: Geoffrey		esoteric@3times25.net

I didn't have to buy my radio from a specific company to listen
to FM, why doesn't that apply to the Internet (anymore...)?