Microsoft and Pace Push Wireless Networking Through Set-Top Box

I'd be interested in hearing just how many THG readers have actually set up a wireless home networking scheme. Maybe it's a question for one of Tom's Flash Polls, but my gut feeling is that most folks are waiting for standards to be hammered out and affordable wireless-enabled devices to become available. Microsoft has been pushing TV/PC convergence for some time via its Microsoft TV platform and is continuing to try to move us toward a world where email messages can interrupt NBA games with a partnership with Pace Micro Technology, the fruits of which are being shown off at the Western Show 2001 this week in Anaheim, Calif. The demonstration runs on Microsoft TV Advanced, uses the Pace Di6000 advanced home gateway box, and is intended to show how wireless, always-connected, high-speed connectivity to multiple devices in the home can "extend the value of set-top boxes and create new revenue opportunities for network operators" (their spin, not mine). The wireless connectivity is accomplished through Pace's Gateway Expander, a wireless base station that enables two-way communication from the broadband external network to electronic devices connected to the home network. Pace is demonstrating its Di6000 set-top box running Microsoft TV Advanced connected to Pace's Gateway Expander via Ethernet. The Gateway Expander connects wirelessly to a laptop PC and a PDA, enabling both devices to access the Internet via the DOCSIS/EuroDOCSIS integrated cable modem (what, no DSL?).