@Ian Michael Gumby
"So if I want that picture, I can't say no to the other features."
Hear, hear! What I want, basically, is a 37" monitor optimised for distance viewing.
Do I want Freeview? No, I have tuner cards/set-top boxes for that.
Do I want multiple HDMI? Not really, I want to pump everything through one box if I can.
Do I want USB? No, I plan to have a media server for that. Acting as a hub is useful though.
Ethernet? Well, if DLNA actually worked I might be interested, but as it doesn't (unless you get a 'magic' combination of devices) then sod it; I'll pump it all through my media server.
Do I want a PC in my TV? Crap no. How the hell am I supposed to patch/secure that bugger? I'd need another PC as a gate-keeper and if I have that, it can be a front-end. See all of the above.
Can I get one of these simple TVs? Can I hell. Each manufacturer wants to lock you into their own walled garden, which might allow the accountants and MBA-dingbats to create their own little fiefdoms, but it stifles innovation and restricts the free market. The companies could take their money/energy and invest in other companies providing the services to all. Imagine Sony making a profit out of Panasonic TV owners - what a larf!
Some example projects/companies; XBMC - pretty bloody good really. UI needs a bit of polish, or maybe that's just me.
MythTV - awesome. Maybe they'd like a few tech authors and some tuner schematics.
Netflix - I hear this is good, but I don't know at the anti-competition license restrictions prevent them from operating over here.
Hulu - see above. Although a VPN/proxy solves both issues - and only costs a few quid a month.
iPlayer - seriously; ITV? Channel4? Give up. Your offerings are vomit (I often find it easier to get your programs from 'illegal' sources). Join with the BBC and help build the platform. the BBC can keep their bit ad free, you can do what the chuff you like (probably screw it up....)
Apple - yes, I know. But admit it, the Apple TV2 isn't half-bad.
Boxee - all they need is someone to explain "currency conversion" and allow their services to work outside the USA.
Etc.
But first...can I please just buy a dumb TV? I've got a lovely Dell branded monitor here (it's probably a ViewSonic/LG/Something) it's a USB hub, has multiple format inputs, does audio pass-through and P-I-P. That's it. Doesn't try to do anything else. Could you just super-size it, please?