I didn't thought of using a VCR-STB combo, currently the NEC is a standalone unit next to my bed and the only time I turn it on is when I feel like watching carpenter James cutting holes on the wall using Mircle Blades. Btw Chef Tony is also quite entertaining. However, they are just not entertaining enough to justify for a dedicated STB.
I tried googling but there's virtually nothing on round cavity microwave ovens. Even LG's own website says very little about the advantage of having a round cavity, easy cleaning is about the only selling point. If there's any thermal advantage, wouldn't they have highlighted it using large font and possibly accompanied by a Flash animation showing how efficiently it works?
Maybe there's untold benefits from a cylindrical interior, or maybe patent rights prevent others to follow suit. I guess average consumers would never know until there's some kind official press release. Somehow I don't have much faith in LG's innovations, like the direct-drive thing, Fisher & Paykel has it all along but LG claims they are the first, if I'm not wrong Whirlpool also makes direct-drive washers.
Now LG has the first plasma with build-in HD tuner, I wonder what's stopping other manufacturers to integrate a damn digital tuner for a TV that they sell for thousands of dollars.