Naturally, there's perks if you do live in an Onkyo universe -- any link using its Remote Interactivecable can both wake the stereo through AirPlay as well as control the dock from a traditional remote.
As digital cable and interactive TV become more prevalent, they are requiring cable companies to develop more advanced technology, and Gates and company are competing mightily for that business.
The Internet, and the prospect of demand for interactive services, gives the cable companies an advantage over both satellite television and the telecoms companies.