Thanks for the clarification. I always just assumed the Emergency beacon was housed in the same Black Box container as the data recorder.
I think the black box data recorder will be nothing more than a backup system, if the technology that tcrlaf mentioned earlier in the thread ever comes online.
Not a problem...the black box does have a beacon...a pinger of sorts, for underwater recovery. Air France 447’s was found. They are tough pieces of gear, and store all parameters of the flight. Too much info for a burst.
That said, even if the technology develops enough to have a thorough burst transmission, the outcome remains the same...speculation, lamestream media experts, and search and recovery.