CES 2011 - Sony introduce 27 new LCD HDTVs

[Mr. Joshua]

Originally Posted by ZoetMB

I think he was referring to a STB for internet TV. A cable/satellite STB is still required AFAIK, even though Congress mandated some years ago the use of cable cards, which would enable consumers to not use a STB and instead use the TV's own tuner, using the cable card only for descrambling and paid channel access control. The cable companies hated that concept because the cable card spec wasn't two way, so it didn't support VOD and the like and they felt that without their own boxes, they were more prone to piracy. Somehow, in spite of that legislation (in the U.S.), cable cards have all but disappeared from sets, which is a waste, because like so much in the electronics industry, we have redundant technology in multiple places.

And I read something recently that STBs are power hogs, even when they're shut off.

It's really a shame that the industry can't get together on eliminating the STB.

Thanks for clarifying. I remember when my family first subscribed to cable in I hate to sound like Uncle Rico LOL in '82. The cable connected right to the TV and there was only 1 HBO, 1 Showtime, 1 Cinemax and 1 The Move Channel. I used to get so excited when the HBO opening would come on, the original is still the coolest ever. I've never liked a STB. Oh how wonderful it would be if the PS3 would serve as a STB!