[BC] What is "better?" HOW do we get there?

[Phil Alexander]

On 21 Jan 2006 at 16:00, Barry Mishkind wrote:

> At 03:29 PM 1/21/2006, Phil Alexander wrote
> 
> >Forgive me if I remain unmoved by that one. The technology does exist,
> >and for more critical purposes. For example, daily anti-virus upgrades.
> >
> > >          It would seem that, at least for the near future,
> > >          upgrading the codecs is not a viable option.
> >
> >Why not? Use the old file until the new file is correctly downloaded.
> >Files can be self-validating. We have had CRC's for ... well forever.
> 
>          Why not?  Because the receiver manufacturers
>          at this point in time have decided that is what
>          they want to do.

There was a time when receiver manufacturers relegated UHF to a 
second knob making every U a second class station. Then came a
mandate for equal treatment. It COULD happen again, but not without
leadership.

>          Now, if there was a financially attractive alternative
>          for them, they'd do it.

As above, the incentive is the ability to sell sets that comply
IF a standard were set.
> 
>          Remember what Rich said about people returning
>          their cars to the dealers for service because "it
>          suddenly didn't sound right" ... it costs money
>          for anything you do.  Free upgrades are only
>          at Google.  For now.

Yes, we pay for most others don't we? Pay and pay and pay.
Next year, Longhorn, so we get to pay more.

>          Whether you are supporting transmitters or receivers,
>          cost is an issue, not just manufacturing, but
>          on-going costs.  

Correctly assessed, that cost is a part of the marketing expense.

>          Just one mistake in programming
>          a CMOS or Flash upgrade, and entire
>          distribution systems will pull the product overnight.

Yes, TESTING, is HARD and takes time. I don't see how some of the
software companies are able to do it. They probably wouldn't if
they had a choice.


Phil Alexander, CSRE, AMD
Broadcast Engineering Services and Technology 
(a Div. of Advanced Parts Corporation) 
Ph. (317) 335-2065   FAX (317) 335-9037





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