This is really a followup to the discussion about Set-Top boxes.

So what does everyone think of everything in the home being "connected" and the ability to access all kinds of entertainment without leaving your sofa?

This is the company Sega announced cooperation with today.

http://www.pace.co.uk/networked-home/index.asp

Marcus

Well If I had a single magical box that could do everything for me, my entertainment center would be neater.
Rob Merritt -- www.moonbasetycho.com

To add another link to the slowly increasing pile. Sega Europe has put out their press release regarding this technology. The whole thing hints at a CD drive of some kind included, though we'll have to see.

http://www.sega-europe.com/english/latestpressrelease/000055/000055.htm

This is where Sony and Microsoft are heading, but it looks like Sega is going to beat them all to the punch. If Pace is well-connected and can get this box installed in a lot of homes, the console business could change rather quickly. PS3 is being designed around this very idea of all downloadable content. Once again, Sega is first to the table. What's also good to note is that Sega also has a lot of experience with delivery of games over cable systems. The Sega Channel was a moderate success that allowed you to get a subscription and a special cart to play games on your Genesis that were piped in through your cable. Many commented on great availability of older games, cheap downloads ($2.00 or so per game and you kept it as long as the unit stayed on), and a lot of cool contests, etc.

I expect to hear a lot more this week including an announcement of the Hard Drive for current DC owners.

--Dave

Personally I think people are spending far too much time in front of the tv as it is. Not the best example for our children.

I know I spend far too much time in front of my pc.

"I know I spend far too much time in front of my pc. "

I need to take this to the next level. I'm thinking I need to get catheterized, bedpan, the whole nine yards.

wumpus http://www.gamebasement.com

Yeah, but I think that spending time in front of the TV doing nothing but watching is a lot less productive than playing a game or even reading the news at a game website. You tend to retain a lot more of what you read and do than you'll ever remember watching a show.

It's nice to veg out in front of the TV now and then watching something, but I'd much rather my kids play games or use some kind of software to improve their motor skills, etc. than just passively watch a movie. It's all in the content though. I and my kids get more out of Sesame Street than we do out of something like Batman Beyond for example. Not that there's anything wrong with Batman Beyond... :)

To tie this into the discussion, with the set top box having Internet access, games and the normal cable stuff, there's a lot more potential to do something constructive with the TV.

--Dave

Sony has unveiled the ultimate in home theatre control. . . a controler that controls a controller.

http://www.theonion.com/onion3104/newremote.html

btw, this sites hilarious hehe.

etc

Why not have a complete Set-Top box as an implant :). Even better contact lenses with built in TV. The DVD-player could be attached beside the kidneys. It's perfect, you could play games or watch movies and still eat dinner, bring out the trash or whatever the husband/wife requires :).

Marcus

Ugh. Flashing ad banners implanted in my retina.

:P

- Alan