ARCHIVED: What is MSN TV, and where can I find more information about it?

This content has been archived, and is no longer maintained by Indiana University. Information here may no longer be accurate, and links may no longer be available or reliable.

MSN TV (formerly WebTV) is often regarded as the first successful attempt to integrate the World Wide Web with television. MSN TV consists of a set-top computer and a modem. The set-top computer interfaces with the television, using the television as its monitor, and can be controlled by keyboard or remote control. The modem connects the computer to an Internet service provider (ISP).

MSN TV is less expensive and easier to use than most personal computers. The MSN TV services offer tighter integration with the television than most PCs. The trade-offs are reduced screen resolution, decreased storage capabilities, and a limited number of options. MSN TV is targeted to people who have little or no interest in computers outside of Internet access.

For more information about MSN TV, visit:

  http://www.msntv.com/pc/

If you have MSN TV and an Indiana University Bloomington or IUPUI computing account, you can connect to one of the modem pools. For more information on modem connections, see the Knowledge Base document ARCHIVED: About campus modem pools.

Besides MSN TV, a number of other vendors provide similar products. A good source of information is Ruel.Net's Set-Top Page, at:

  http://ruel.net/top/box.index.htm