[BC] Another iBiquity goof

[Rich Wood]

------ At 06:06 PM 10/1/2005, Dan Strassberg wrote: -------

>I realize that software upgrades can be implemented in a variety of ways. It
>might, for example, be possible to transmit upgrades over the air (over
>stations that transmit HD Radio signals), but that approach might be just
>too complicated to be manageable. Mandating a USB (or comparable) port might
>be a better approach. With Wireless USB on the horizon, the problem of where
>to locate the connector may just go away. Yes, any version of USB will add
>cost, but the radios are expensive enough that a $15 increment in selling
>price should be acceptable to avoid premature obsolescense--or hobbling an
>unproven system with characteristics that prove to be unworkable and can't
>be changed economically.

That's heavy lifting and requires repeated contact with the great 
unwashed. It also means fewer royalties when you don't have to buy a 
new unit. With iBorg's seemingly endless list of license fees I would 
doubt a free or inexpensive firmware upgrade wouldn't be worth the 
effort. In many cases an upgrade has to happen perfectly or the unit 
is disabled. Any interruption in the process renders the unit 
useless. I've found that to be the case with routers. I doubt car 
dealers would want to get involved. Assuming all 1.5 billion 
receivers will be upgraded every time a flaw is detected after 2030 a 
huge facility would be needed just for a mailroom. Over the air 
upgrades are dangerous. How many receivers will be in bad signal 
areas and switch to analog in the middle of the process?

I was under the impression our formerly brilliant FCC Chairman, Mr. 
Powell, dreamed of a software receiver that could be transformed into 
anything via firmware changes. Remember, premature obsolescence is 
the American way. It's a good thing. Even an apprentice knows that.

Rich