I4U News

Overview
Is there anything “Bill’s” garage hasn’t or can’t churn out? You may have your own opinion about Microsoft and it’s effect on the computer industry, but one indisputable fact exists; every one of us, if we had the opportunity, would love to be in their position and provide quality products in a multi-billion dollar market as well. MSN TV2 fills another niche for the home multi-media environment. This Internet player provides very easy access for those people out there who don’t have the means to purchase a traditional PC or feel frustrated with attempting to utilize one. And Microsoft came through with flying colors in their partnership with RCA/Thomson to deliver a device giving access to the masses through the Internet and home networked PCs. Fast and functional.

This sleek, avante garde “box” is a big step up from the original Web TV. For just $9.95/month or the cheaper annual subscription you have instant Internet access via broadband (cable/DSL) or dial up. Try 200 commercial free radio stations (Radio Plus), video clips, email, MSN Messenger, search, photos, music files, favorites and full web capability. Microsoft packages everything you’ll require in a nicely packaged unit. Break out the media player, wireless easily marked keyboard, Ethernet cable, power cord and even a 31 button remote control you can easily sync with your RCA/Proscan television or any other TV by using the enclosed infrared codes. That same remote control will also pull double-duty by controlling all of your TV functions too. That’s nice, as I really don’t need to add to the ever-growing litany of remote controls I seem to be piling up. The stealthy-looking gray and white box runs a 733mhz Celeron processor and connects to your television via S-video, RCA jacks or composite video connector to TV speakers or your stereo system. I connected through RCA cables to my rear projection TV and was ready to go in less than 10 minutes all the while doing so automatically (no IP or DHCP errors, requests or settings to deal with).

Once you’re logged in, you see five news programs, weather, Internet address bar, mail (up to 11 accounts), MSN or AOL and much more. The easy interface of the unit offers even the most ardent non-tech savvy individual with peace of mind and enjoyment. One drawback is a little slower-than-average “hang time” accessing web sites or “pages”. However, for such a powerhouse small “footprint”; it’s not that noticeable. Are you feeling those eyes of yours are optically challenged? Well, fear not, for, at the touch of a couple of buttons you can change the text or page size on your TV. It also wipes away those annoying pop-ups and “spam” issues. Want to listen to music and go web “surfing”? Use your surfboard and do so easily. You also receive 2GB of server storage for your primary MSN email account, plus 10 secondary email accounts with 250MB of storage each.

 

Wish list for improvements

1. Picture-in-picture (PIP) capability
2. Ability to send files back to the home connected network computer
3. Additional flash memory
4. Integrate CF, SD, MMC capabilities
5. Install micro drive HDD
6. Additional ports for peripherals
7. Blue-tooth ability
8. Enable all “chat” software interface
9. Support for more video/audio formats
10. Mouse or trackball inclusion on keyboard
11. Joystick port for games
12. Integrate remote control functions onto keyboard
13. Accessory selection availability for system
14. Incorporate DVD/CD functionalities

Conclusion
Until interactive TV finally reaches the mainstream masses; the MSN TV 2 will fill that need giving you hours of entertainment enjoyment without the “hassle” factor. Just Microsoft making life easier for those who wish to join the rest of the Internet world. Think you can make something better? Clear out your garage and begin your dream like “Bill” did. Isn’t capitalism great?!
 

How to Buy
The MSN TV 2 box is currently on sale on Amazon.com for $179.94. Plus the available RCA Rebate of $100 gets the price for the internet box down to $79.94.
See offers from other stores.