Now if only someone can invent a connector that doesn't have a brittle little tab that is bound to snap off or snag on wires. HDMI and DP connections are far more rugged.
Indeed so, but consumers are suspicious of new connectors, as are motherboard manufacturers, fearing that they're being asked to spend a bunch of money on a new format that won't connect to anything else. Like...er...HDMI. Upgraded functionality to something everyone already knows (cat5) is a much easier sell psychologically.
I don't think the brittleness is a big issue. Pro a/v techs often use heavy duty cat5 cables with rugged connectors (http://www.amphenol-airlb.com/Rugged.html - this is the best supplier IMHO). Then, making cables just needs a supply of jacks and a crimping tool - neither is expensive, and being able to do field repairs or make additional cables is a lot better than some custom connector that can only be built in a factory. Finally, power and signal on the same cable is a huge win.
In the video world, it's very desirable to be able to quickly feed signal over varying distances in some new location you've never been into before and will only occupy for a few hours. HDMI cables are a pain, like all fiberoptic cables - very expensive, short runs, and they're so delicate that they need lots of structural shielding which makes the cable springy and hard to manage (which usually necessitates an extra pair of hands). Then, monitors and cameras need power, which means either annoying little adapters plus additional heavy power cables, or else heavy battery packs (which cost $$$).
If the component electronics for this standard are affordable and reliable (and I expect they will be, given similar existing products) then the pro video community will be all over this in short order - a breakout box that delivers 12v DC, has audio & video i/o, and hooks onto a belt will be a godsend for many people even if the camera and sound gear doesn't catch up for a few years. 100w is plenty of power for most requirements.
