[bamav]

Legacy STBs may exist for older tech. However, a simple app on a smart TV will provide the interface to "TV" with no additional hardware, just a BB connection.

As for HD / SD - streaming services like Netflix assess the best picture based on internet speed. If your TV can handle HD or higher, then it'll display it. No need for HD or SD channels.

If linear TV needs to exist, then it could simply be a "playlist" of programmes. I think even on demand will release episodes gradually to promote anticipation, discussion and shared viewing.

To tweetiepooh - With regards to storing programmes - every programme is stored somewhere. That's how we get so many repeats! Programme storage isn't necessarily the responsibility of the broadcasters, it's the people who create them. Which then leads again to no need for linear broadcasters - studios who create programming, which is usually bought by a channel, could be made available directly. Bidding wars wouldn't need to exist, so consumers won't get ripped off. It might suit some programme makers to group under a single umbrella provider to make their content available widely.

All of this is simple and doable if the infrastructure is improved and the technology gets cheap. Which it will...