Flat-panel TVs becoming too complex

Televisions are not what they used to be. If you've been in a Best Buy (NYSE: BBY) or Circuit City (NYSE: CC) recently, you've probably been bedazzled by terms like 720p, 1080p, HDMI, HDTV, plasma, LCD, component input and others. TVs have gotten so incredibly complex that a short course in geek jargon is now a requirement instead of a request if you're really into researching what is best for that money.

All the cables and know-how to get that new set hooked up correctly is no small affair, either. Although a cable connection scheme like HDMI was supposed to simplify the connection between that new TV and things like hi-def DVD players and even stereo surround receivers, explain that to someone who just wants a crystal-clear picture for that prime-time show or sports event. Who cares what magic is behind the curtain?

Manufacturers like Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HPQ), Vizio, Sony (NYSE: SNE), Samsung and Toshiba (OTC: TOSBF) are all manufacturers that need to try and work together (instead of fighting over standards like Blu-Ray and HD-DVD) to make it easier for consumers to choose and use their products. Taking a page from the consumer simpleton approach that has made Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) famous for usability would really go a long way toward making your customers respect you.

Alas, I do not see that in the future. Or hooking TVs up to that PC to share all that audio and video content between the PC and the home theater system. The Apple TV product is a great model here -- but other products seem to be sorely lacking. I'll not get back to work in the cabled, messy nightmare behind this flat, but useless, television.