On Tuesday 17 August 2010 12:08 PM, jtd wrote:
This is precisely what the link provided below (and the earlier mail announces. http://www.mtnl.net.in/PressReleaseMTNLNovatiumDelhi.doc
An iptv box drives a tv at 320 x 240 interlaced. This resolution is at best useful only for the most rudimentary computer applications.
Inorder that the idea be workable, you will need a minimum resolution of 800 x 600. This bumps up the STB price by about 20%. But the display is a much bigger problem. A TV sized display of 800 x 600 resolution will cost a bomb, since it is a lot harder to build crts. A 16" LCD display costs Rs.4500/-.
So bundling this as a combo with monthly rental plan will cost Rs.200 ~ 220. However nobody will do this, because it will immediately cut into the users budget for paid channels, require two sets of inventories, Look more expensive when the competition offers tv only etc.,
In our list archives there will be a mail I had sent with links to the above device. Some ISPs in India were trying to introduce these boxes for spreading computer literacy. However I feel, big PC companies may have applied brakes to it. Every time the Govt. wants to spread computer literacy it comes up with expensive devices by tying up with a PC manufacturer rather than look for simple solutions. The masses are already using cheap Chinese mobiles so what is the point in the Govt. giving them similar devices with a marginally larger screen when the same can be directly purchased at low costs anyway. These things cannot substitute a proper desktop with a decent screen and a full keyboard and mouse.
Just like the fact that bottled water companies and water filter makers benefit from the Govt's inability to provide potable water to the masses. Just see how the cost of water filters has come down to Rs 1800/- and even Rs. 1000/- after some companies made bold decisions to market cheaper water filters. Till these came, we had to shell out 6K to 8K for a decent water filter. Petroleum companies too have had a hand in preventing electric and alternate fuel engines from gaining popularity.