Originally posted by: boris

Originally posted by: lordjedi
VOD and downloadable media are a long way off.

Really? I know for a fact that Foxtel and Sky are both developing the ability for their set top boxes to download episodes and movies directly from the satelite to save to the STU, and then view - at any time. I think that the technology will pay off, because it enables you to sit down at the TV, and beam down the show you want to watch when nothing's on. It's a great idea, and it will work. From what I've heard, they both plan to release this technology within the next few years.

Really? Here in the states, anything that's pulled into your cable or satellite box has a time limit on it (watch it within 3 days or can only be watched 3 times or whatever). What you describe sounds like it would pay off, as long as they have every movie currently available on DVD, including all the new releases. A lot of times cable and satellite companies have only a limited selection, at least here in the states, so you have to wait until they have what you want in order to watch it with VOD or, once again, go out to the store and buy/rent it.

What I described is a long way off here in the states because the media companies keep getting involved by making demands on how, when, and for how long people will be able to watch the episodes or movies. Even now, episodes like Prison Break are available to watch online at the same time the episode airs, but I'd rather be watching Prison Break on my 50" tv than my 17" LCD monitor. And I'd personally rather watch Prison Break (or whatever tv show) when I want, so I record it to my DVR, but that's not VOD or downloadable, that's simply time shifting.