In security it says:

Allow Apps downloaded from:
(3 check boxes)

1. Mac App Store
2. Mac App Store and identified developers
3. Anywhere

Seems like if you only had the Mac App Store checked then there would be no threat.
Even if option 2 was selected, it seems like it might be fairly safe if the developer's are not trying to infest a computer.
Obviously, option 3 would allow for all kinds of mayhem.

Plus if you have your machine set to only install from the app store, doesn't it have some sort of handshake problem? I don't know how it all works, but I know when I install a new version of the OS on a Mac it only lets installs through the app store work by default. You have to disable that feature to install "Trusted" apps from outside of the App Store environment. You can also choose to wing it and allow all apps you find to install if you click the right check box.

Seems like placing an application in the app store that has this "Extra Content" might be a bit problematic.
Perhaps not, but has there been any apps from the Mac App store with extra code to side load a program onto a Mac?

I have XP with my games, Win 7, and Tech Preview 10.xxx on my iMac using parallels.
One of the best ways of running windows in my view. Speedy and you can set things up as you need them.
My XP is only for old games and works really well for that.
Don't need it for browsing or iTunes.

Still work on these older devices via their browsers and airplay to apple TV.
Not too inconvenient I would think for those in the apple techosphere.

Can't support everything forever.

Source?

With a need to mask your ip of course.

It seems that since iTunes is a conduit through which people organize and utilize content from Apple, the software would be a priority since how users experience the content is important in creating more users.
Making iTunes cumbersome or poorly functioning would seem to be directly a threat to the money flow.

iTunes is very convenient for playing all of my movie content from the DVD's I have ripped on my Apple TV.
Dump videos into iTunes. Organize them the way you want them. Play the movies smoothly off of the Apple TV pulling content from iTunes home sharing.

Very simple.
Glassy Smooth.
Brainless functionality for my kids and my wife.

Actually, I think over time there is bit loss to media and all data that is stored and transferred.

Forever is a long time.

Yep. Only movies are DRM, but all purchased movies are DRM at least for now.
The only ones which aren't are pirated or purchased on media and a digital copy is made by the person owning the media.

So do you use iTunes?
Can you test if yours is fully functioning?
That might be helpful for many people.

You forgot solar energy and high speed transportation.

Hmmmm...
"left-wing libtards (i like that term!) leave (i.e., almost all Slashdoter's - from my understanding of /. in the few weeks i try to "fit in")"

Well Ad Hominem's and Gross generalizations are 2 common logical fallacies which would run counter to your assertion of trying to "fit in".

Fitting in on a website where people express opinions seems a bit silly. There really isn't a community to fit into.
Post anything here and it will be challenged, scrutinized, and replied to in some fashion. That is how forums work.

By all means stay... forums are more lively with those who have divergent yet informed opinions.
It would be more productive to discuss rather than label or present generalizations.
Present what you know.
Respect of other posters is more productive to a discussion.
Finally... having an account so you don't post as an Anonymous Coward lends a bit more legitimacy to things.

So in the end... this is probably a great thing. No more delusions of the continued functioning of smart TV's for the life of the TV.
Personally, I have always wanted just a really great panel without all the bells and whistles. We don't watch TV much but do sling things to it from the computer, phones and puck devices. I find all of the remotes these days have a billion buttons. I end up inadvertently pressing something and get stuck on settings I can't get out of. Very Very annoying.