Also in the “me, too” category (see below), Sony announced the Bravia Internet Media Link, another $300 box that will be (Sony propaganda here): an “easy-to-attach module lets you stream internet video to compatible Bravia HDTVs over your broadband Internet connection.”

It also isn’t exactly a completely open module, like AppleTV, which is closed to the iTunes universe (and YouTube). Sony says you will be able to “browse select online music videos, movie trailers, user-generated videos, personalized weather, traffic feeds and more with no additional download or access fees. Internet video providers include AOL, Yahoo!, and Grouper (and more as they become available).” Unlike AppleTV, which sends from the computer, the Sony device will connect directly to the set.

The catch: the device will compatible with only seven Sony Bravia TV models. Not what I call open source. I call it DOA – dead on arrival. No one will buy such a box, and why should they? Even Sony TV owners have to be smart enough to see through that one. Betamax all over again!