With relatively little 4K content available from anyone last year and even this year...there was little incentive to release a consumer version NP-1 so early versus taking the path they have.
The company likely saw that even if they were to put out a product which was capable, there was little end-user consumer market demand for it given the fact that the 4K TV's weren't exactly flying off the shelves last year with the prices the way they were, Seiki notwithstanding.
I'm confident TV manufacturers with a lot of 1080p product still in the pipeline would also appreciate the opportunity to move that inventory at higher margins before pushing out the 4K's at lower price points, which takes some time to accomplish.
In light of the foregoing, as well as additional considerations, it made much more sense to take the route they have, notwithstanding their way of going about it as far as shareholders are concerned. To me, NTEK appears to be making its way with a long term view.
Even if the NP-1 were to be released today...the hue and cry would be that there is little if any content worth watching, no? So what's the rush?
Why not make the best use of the time now that there is a void in 4K content to develop and improve their product for a more optimum release date and have a significantly better product and end user reception for it.
For those who don't want to wait and want and need a 4K streaming device...NTEK has all along been offering the NP-C and H1 at higher prices.
I'm confident that had NTEK released the earliest versions of their NP-1...the criticisms would still be forthcoming for a myriad of reasons, some of which would definitely have merit in light of what is about to be released by them and others.
Whomever puts out a comparable product will in no uncertain terms be promoting the advantages of their's versus ours. It just goes with the territory. Hence the need to get the best on your team to try and maintain or improve your position moving forward. JMHO
