@ Pre GN said:
Sony to ruin Gracenote after spending a quarter billion dollars on it.

Becoming an internal resource at Sony will hardly "ruin Gracenote." Sony is a large company and can use Gracenote for its own products. This is hardly ruinous as you characterize.

Also, Sony has a less-than-stellar track record with technology acquisitions. The $65 million dollar purchase of Grouper comes to mind as a typical example of Sony over-paying and under-performing in this space.

What makes you think that Sony will do any better with this acquisition?

And what makes you think that Sony can or will somehow prevent competitors from changing to alternative suppliers?

@ Pre GN also said:
You guys aren't exactly a font of impartiality...

I, for one, am attempting to have respectful debate which is the purpose of this forum. I also hope this debate would be intelligent. Your lack of response to inconvenient questions, and crude attempt to deflect the debate with unfounded accusations of partiality and "FUD" demonstrate that you care for neither respectful nor intelligent debate. It is reminiscent of religious and political argument, and indicates partiality of your own.

Personally, I am neither a "Gracenote detractor" nor supporter. I am interested in Sony and its network strategy, and have been so for years. My interest in Sony is my reason for participating in this discussion.

If you would like to continue this discussion in a respectful (and hopefully intelligent) manner, I request you do so while toning down the innuendo.