The hardware determines what functions are available.
The specification should only cover the core functionality, needed to access the free services. This may include an embedded browser, standard codecs etc.
The user interface could be provided as a reference, but how can it act as a hardware abstraction layer, when the hardware is specified by the manufacturer.
It appears the specification has suffered from function and control creep. Manufacturers should be free to extend beyond the core functionality, as a unique selling point.
A range could consist of the basic model (access free to air/net content) and enhanced models like a built in PVR, or overnight pre-fetch.
DRM support is not required for free to air/net, but adding you tube support may be universal but not part of the core specification.
- Sent via the backstage.bbc.co.uk discussion group. To unsubscribe, please visit http://backstage.bbc.co.uk/archives/2005/01/mailing_list.html. Unofficial list archive: http://www.mail-archive.com/backstage@lists.bbc.co.uk/
