A recent issue? But apparently you think it's ridiculous that the current model doesn't have WiFi, even though this "recent issue" wasn't one when it was launched?

So now you expect Topfield to be clairvoyant too?

And you still haven't answered the question about which other models have Wifi, other than "the ones which require internet access."

So, I think we can conclude this is another of your silly fictions, like the auto ad skipping on the TUTV box, which you drop in from time to time to avoid answering a straight question.

Not an answer, more a politician's answer.

You stated that


So

Which products are launching that will have internet access or wifi access that will be competing with the TF5810?

Or is that just a catchy one-liner with no substance in fact?

Yes, it seems that you do have a lot of contacts and involvement with Topfield, yet no business interests (which I have no reason to doubt)

I suppose you might or might not have an idea of how many people download TAPs. Of course, any person downloading a TAP is free to distribute it to other users or TAPs might be available at websites outside of your domain (and you would not have this information to hand). We have to assume that, given all of the forum chat about TAPs and the huge campaign by Topfield to tell the public about TAPs, that TAPs are a major selling point for the machine and important to users.

Given that Topfield have tried to be forward thinking with its use of TAPs, I would have hoped that it would have (at least) made its PVR WiFi compliant (as with the Netgem iPlayer launched at the beginning of the century) - e.g. including drivers for a standard USB WiFi adaptor, or (at the very least) doing this in a later software update.

And these devices are what exactly?

And wires are a fact of life with any electrical appliance (the clue is in the name electrical appliance). You seem to be pulling out any silly point to try to bolster your very flimsy argument/prejudice, and in doing so are making yourself look increasingly silly and desperate.

Laptops
Nintendo Wii
Playstation 3
Internet-enabled fridges
Multi-room audio equipment
WiFi-enabled rabbits

and the list goes on ...

Yes, and at the very least including the necessary update to the hardware, too. Preferably by Wi-Fi. What a sorry state of a world we live in where that isn't actually possible.

A software update is easy and quick, the drivers are written, and would not require additional hardware.

And by the same ignorant logic, my watch can also be made into a fridge, using just an easy and quick bit of software.

Huh? What 'huge campaign' would this be?

You can't just stick software drivers on the box and turn a USB slave port into a master port. There's the small issue of the socket not being the right shape for starters

Yes, the USB WiFi adaptor is the hardware - the actual STB just needs the device driver and software to stream the data.

And of course, they have also dispensed with those very awkward electrical wires supplying the power haven't they .......

And how many people actually have an internet-enabled fridge?

Oh, the OP doesn't let silly little things like that cloud his rock-solid logic based on rather sparse knowledge ......

Power wires are usually very short and power points are usually available near to the device.

It's not my fault they didn't think about that when the Topfield was designed. The technology was there and widely available.

No they are not - most are about 2metres, and many people don't have mains sockets in the most appropriate places especially where portable appliances are concerned.

And as it was you that brought up the whole point about "trailing wires and safety", you can't hide from the fact that trailing wires exist with any electrical appliance which is not battery-powered. Hence, any such appliance can be a trip hazard (especially the portable ones like playstations, nintendos etc). People deal with it, they tidy things up or are just careful.

Now you are REALLY posting silly stuff .......

A lot of hardware manufacturers would be delighted to hear about your magic software that turns their USB slave hardware into master hardware.

Well, it's an interesting debate. Some good points being made on all sides, I think.

Mine is just 70 cm away from my TV, directly at the back. That's not uncommon.

Many houses just have 1 router, which often requires trailing an ethernet cable for much longer than 2 metres or (if transferring data via a laptop) often involves messy wires from the TV cabinet, which often don't get put away properly

Let's face it ... WiFi is the ideal and obvious addition to a next generation STB which requires the user to transfer data from the internet. There's no getting away from it.

I was expecting a rather different kind of "rabbit" when I clicked on that link.

And? The power cable as supplied will still be a bit longer than that (unless you cut it down yourself).


Source for that claim?


Yes, but I was talking about power cables which will always be attached (unless it is a battery-powered device).


Apart from

1) Not many STBs actually need information from the internet (as they get their info from the transmitted EPG), so it is NOT an obvious addition.

2) WiFi is not fast or stable enough for reliable and fast streaming of data (100 Mbps or Gigabit ethernet is always the preferred solution).

The source is here. Let's face it, if you think the average joe household has more than 1 router then it's time to pay Mr Reality a check.


Power cables are not an issue. They are usually just tucked away into the cabinet or (if a little too long) gathered up. They are usually out of sight, out of mind.


But we're talking about one that does take applications and data from the Internet so it is an obvious addition.


Yeah, WiFi is just fine. And, like all methods, there will be the odd glitch. However, the massive convenience of a wireless link combined with massive public awareness and acceptance of such technology, makes WiFi the obvious choice for the mass market.

You know I'm talking sense eh

Does anyone know what those other PVRs Topfield now has to compete with that already have wireless then? I dont think that has been established and I dont think it can. Yes I know my laptop has wireless capability and my baby monitor etc but I dont think the world is there yet with freeview PVRs and wirless built in. If anything, those Korean manufacturers will probably be the first to start it in similar products so looking at what they are starting to do is a good indication of the possibilities ith future freeview PVRs here.

I tell you what would be useful with wireless built in though - with mass apeal/benefit for its clientel - a slingbox. Just bought one and connected it to my DVD recorder and its great but that is one device right now that could do with wireless built in being looked into. Go one further - slingbox technology in a freeview PVR...ooh