Well if you had a TV that came with a built in tuner you didn't need a cable box here, it was really more when HD channels became popular they started to make it mandatory/required cable box... Now the lingo you used IP and that i am not sure if that is correct considering cable and satellite are not internet based??. They track everything and the box is registered to your household, but i am not sure if i would say internet?? Maybe private controlled server base sounds better??
ITV now is and offered with voice commands and shit like that... And you use a VOIP system for your phone, that is nice

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And i don't think people have backward priorities MacGyver, i just think that all these gadgets are in your face and people like having new toys no matter any age...
I know you don't know much about golf, but it is like my friend that has a golf set and with the clubs he can shoot close to par all the time (74-78), but if he sees a new driver he goes out and gets it, again likes new toys, but i can say so far it has not improved his game, but it is his choice buddy, and that is the luxury of living in a Democratic Society

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The way you talk buddy i think a pager may be more your speed for safe outings, but good luck today on finding a public phone, that doesn't have a direct dial to a taxi service only LOL!!!, and saying that i assume you never take "UBER" either
(Just kidding on the pager part buddy, you are entitled to do whatever the heck you want!!!, It is your life G-D Bless

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Shay
PS. i am not really sure when you speak of corporations and stuff, but i can say MacGyver i am happy they exists , because if they didn't i wouldn't have the opportunity to speak to you long distance over the internet, or Most Americans wouldn't be able to actually see there kids without Facetime/Skype etc.. I do think some things that are available give piece of mind and bring joy.....
Again my opinion.........
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