Dinosaurs

Various companies are exploring ways to link broadband digital media to television sets, further blurring the line between old and new tech. We are moving in an ever-tightening spiral towards Arthur C. Clarke's predicted "ubiquitous black box."

Of course, there are always those who just don't Get It:

"Whether it's a good thing to do remains unknown," said Glenn Britt, chief executive of Time Warner Cable, a soon-to-be publicly traded division of Time Warner Inc.

Britt compared the trend in linking broadband Internet video to TVs to the wireless industry's fascination with creating new systems to digital television services.

He added: "Why is that so wonderful? We have over the air systems that will cover digital."

Now where have I heard something like that before...? Oh, yes:

There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in his home - Ken Olsen, President, Digital Equipment Corporation, 1977

...and...

"Why in the world would you think your (cell) phone would work in your house?" he said. "The customer has come to expect so much. They want it to work in the elevator; they want it to work in the basement." - Ivan Seidenberg, CEO of Verizon Communications, 2005

Some people are a tad slow on the uptake. And they always seem to be CEOs--which doesn't surprise me, considering that most corporate officers attain their positions by force of ego and ambition rather than through intelligence and ability.

Better hope that quote doesn't get out, Mr. Britt, or your IPO might not be as robust as you were hoping.

Oops. Too late.