the NetX was made for philips by another Co (OpenPeak). It is a true IP aware device, ergo it gets an IP address and may be pinged. This other co is building a line of hardware and software that will allow for UPnP TCP/IP devices to receive network based packets and convert them to IR and RS232. their first device is on the market as a TCP/IP to RS232/IR Bridge.

I suspect that in the future the iPronto will be enhanced to have full network awareness. I really want that so it can talk to. receive things from and control any thing that is network aware. I believe that is where Philips will take it. I also hope that Philips does it by upgrading the existing platform (iPronto) and not forcing us to to scrap it for a newer $1000 device. I will not do that, but will say so long to Philips instead