UPDATED–I don’t know what it is with the folks at CNET, but it seems their thoroughness is somewhat lacking these days.
The most recent CNET account about VoIP leaves lots of holes and really fails to tell the facts correctly.
First, all PVRs are not Tivo’s and thus some, like Reply have broadband access to the program and channel guides. While the report did not mention Replay, the claim that people with TIVO’s can’t update their guides may not be 100 percent accurate. The RJ-11 connects to an internal modem. Since a modem is able to dial a phone, and the telephone adapters work to convert analog to digital, then it may be able to work.
Second, the issue of not being listed in the phone book. My mom has been unlisted for years and still has credit, gets deliveries. I’ve been unpublished, with only my town listed. I have no problem getting deliveries and my mail goes to a different address and has since I arrived in San Diego County.
Lastly, the issue of power failures. Sure a PSTN line won’t be effected, but saying BPL (broadband over power lines) will not be affected is hilarious. A pewer failure effects the grid, not the house. Maybe if the reporter was talking about a blown fuse or breaker, but that’s minor and not a brown out or black out.
One of the six cannons of PR from my mentor, Sy Roseman, was always know the facts, because some reporters never let facts get in the way of a good story. I think that happened here, and candidly, I’m surprised, because Ben Charney is usually on the mark. Maybe he was edited poorly.
UPDATE–SEEMS THE SLASHDOT CROWD—agrees with me. Boy did CNET get roasted.