Originally Posted by
Kontact
Why did you use to be able to buy a DVR that didn't require a subscription service?
Money.
Most people nowadays aren't that interested in owning a videotape or dvd anymore if we are only going to watch it once or twice. Netflix or any of the alternatives are fine and are often starting to produce great content of their own.
As for the Qi story. It's a chicken/egg problem.
My guess is it would require a level of cooperation that isn't there yet.