Gear Eye: MSN TV 2
posted Sep 27th 2004 1:23PM
Designed mainly for getting grandma and grandpa (GM+GP) online, WebTV never got much respect from early adopters who scoffed at the whole idea of surfing the Net on a TV screen, but it did get a lot of people online who couldn't afford a proper PC (or who didn't want to deal with one), with its subscriber rolls topping out around a million when Microsoft snapped it up in 1997 and renamed it MSN TV a few years later.
Fast forward to 2004 and Microsoft's new MSN TV2 Internet Player can still do dial-up, but they've added an Ethernet port and are positioning it as a way to get online for the 51% of Internet users who do have a broadband connection but don't want to spring for a second PC just so they can check email and read websites. Better still, it can pull double duty as a wireless media adapter that can stream audio and video from the hard drive of your PC to your home entertainment setup.
They're launching it October 5th, so click on to read our hands-on review, Gear Eye-style.
The box, which is made by Thomson, retails for $200, and costs $22 a month if you want to use it with MSN's dial-up
service, and $10 a month as add-on for a broadband connection. It's pretty simple: power, composite/S-Video outs, USB,
Ethernet, and a telephone jack. So yeah, it's safe to say some things haven't really changed when it comes to Web/MSN
TV. It's definitely still designed with the non-tech savvy user in mind, but they've definitely given it a lot more
meat to make it viable in the battle for the living room.
What you get: keyboard (not pictured) with batteries, remote with batteries, phone splitter, phone cable, composite
cable, adapter, user and setup guides, and, of course, the box.
Setup
The unit was pretty straight forward setup, not a lot of frills, nothing unnecessary, just like you'd expect from a
set-top box. Get your keyboard and mouse batteries goin', plug the unit into your router, cable modem or phone and TV,
turn it on, boom, you're on your way.
Creating a user account is also pretty quick, just the typical boring form data entry stuff. Once you're done
verifying your credit card info and the like, you log on, and you're free to roam. There's not a whole lot to mess up
with this.
Features
The machine functions very smoothly out of box, and is amply equipped with a 733MHz
Celeron, 128MB of RAM, 64MB of Flash ROM, and Windows CE, for instant-on access. It streams from out-of-the-box
compatible Windows Media Player formats (MPEG2, AVI, MP3, WAV, etc.) and uses IE 6.0. There did not appear to be much
lag at all when doing basic browsing and media playback, and everything worked more or less without a hitch. The
broadband certainly made the whole experience a whole lot less painless—I think the one-two combo of TV-internet and
dialup speeds was really too much for all but the most determined or unwitting users to put up with, so the speed boost
is most welcomed and appreciated on this type of device.
Of course, what is missing from the machine is integrated Wireless communications (WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.), a memory card reader, and, dare we say, even a hard drive, but we suppose these were all cut out to keep the machine's costs down. However, even one of them—especially wireless functionality—would have been an immensely useful addition.
Use and ease of use
The system, once logged on, is very simple. If you can understand what
the Internet is and does (in broad terms, of course), then you can get how this thing works. Browsing was all pretty
decent. There's really no way to get around the extremely low NTSC resolution, so as always, expect a lot of your
favorite pages to range between hurtin' and near-unreadable, but usually useable to a good enough
degree.
We think it may have a bit too much screen clutter for GM+GP, but it was all pretty well confined, and the menus and
submenus never get too deep.
Email is easy, and it was very clear that they were trying to make it as simple for GM+GP as possible.
The one aspect I worried about was the complexity of was the network file sharing (for streaming media from network
drive shares) for the less networking-friendly audience, but it worked pretty seamlessly. It automatically scans for
NetBIOS/SMB-enabled machines, populates a list, and then lets you choose which to connect to. From there, open the
media player in question (be it photo, video, or music) and source your files from the drive share.
MSN TV 2 didn't like playing all our media, however, but what can you do? One wouldn't exactly expect the MSN TV 2 to
try to hook itself up with a DiVX codec or anything. Most of the rest worked alright, though.
If you don't have any video of your own to stream across the network, there are short clips accessible from MSN TV's
networks. We were, however, pretty disappointed the system's lack broadband connection detection, as the video clips
offered were extremely small, extremely poor quality, and rather short (read: wonderful for dialup users only).
Everything in interacting with the system was pretty simple and redundant; most buttons on screen had hard key
equivalents, which is convenient, because navigating a computer-like interface without a mouse can get tedious at
times. The IR pickup of the box was pretty decent—especially for the mouse—but the keyboard had a slight bit of
trouble, and didn't always receive keystrokes when typing quickly. This is a spot where Bluetooth would have really
come in handy, but it's not really like anyone expected that to show up in MSN TV 2.
The mouse could have been a little weightier, and looks a little chinsey and boring against the benchmark TiVo remote,
but it did its job well enough. The buttons were distinct to the touch, and had a tactile feel when being pressed, and
there weren't too many by any means.
The keyboard was pretty weighty (a bit more than we'd have expected, even), but felt like pretty much any other
keyboard otherwise. The function keys were respectfully replaced with feature keys, and they even blessed users with
dedicated page resize, refresh, and print buttons (among others).
As mentioned, it also features two USB ports for such things as memory card readers (for importing your digital
photos, naturally) and USB WiFi adapters, in case you don't want or can't get a wired connection. How nice of them. Too
bad they didn't incorporate a standard driver set for these things, so when you plug in your device, you must already
have a connection established in order to get the proper drivers. However, at least retrieving the drivers was done
automatically, but it was a little disheartening for an out-of-box solution.
Conclusion
We're operating on a couple of assumptions here being that you're reading Engadget: first is that
overdrive-ease-of-use probably isn't your number one priority, and second is that you're probably not reading from a
TV-based browser. That said, the MSN TV 2 a pretty well equipped, very easy to use TV-set top with a solid foundation
of multimedia playing capabilities. About this much we can't complain. So if you're thinking about getting it for
GM+GP, no worries, it's a pretty dead-lock. If they can learn some rudimentary concepts, this may be easier for them
than a Mac.
But if you're thinking about getting this for yourself for the networked multimedia capabilities, move straight on and
put your money into something more like Viewsonic's new
WMx series. If you want a decent all-around
internet-capable machine and you don't want to have to plunk down to buy a proper box (which, admittedly, would only be
about $200 more for something pretty decent) then the MSN TV 2 may be for you; just don't get your hopes up, web on the
TV isn't due to get really good until we're all running HDTV and have hefty pipes from the Net to the home.
Do the USB ports/drivers support use of a printer? This is my Mom's biggest complaint with her WebTV, she can't print out pix of the grandkids.
I now have a RCA MSNTV and except for the slowness I am very satisfied. I read your article about the new machine and do not understand all the terms you use. I do not need photos printed but I need a printer to print whats on my tv SCREEN. Now I cant get some video clips especially if it is windows. I only get MPEG. Should I but the new machine. Also is it hard to set up. Im not good at electronics and I dont know what a broadband is.
1. Will it get me MLB radio broadcasts?
2. Will it give me online access to my BofA account?
I use to get both with my Webtv.
Well, according to the rumours, there is no pagebuilder, no discussion groups, no PIP, no web cams, no scanners, no mics, etc. To me, this is a straegy to lure in pc users. MSN must rake in tons of money so my question is, why not just offer more than less? I'll stick with my web tv plus.
I just wish it was a bit faster and could open Flash web sites....I think this new box will accomplish this ..
42 y/o and on the webbie for 5 years...
Also have a PC online but like to surf and watch tv @ the same time on my 55" Mitsu HD...
Well, according to the rumours, there is no pagebuilder, no discussion groups, no PIP, no web cams, no scanners, no mics, etc. To me, this is a straegy to lure in pc users. MSN must rake in tons of money so my question is, why not just offer more than less? I'll stick with my web tv plus.
Will it play videos recorded from Windows XP Media Center Edition?
Posted Sep 28, 2004, 5:07 PM ET by Dave Robertson
Do the USB ports/drivers support use of a printer?
YES!!! There are several printers that work fine!
Posted Sep 28, 2004, 9:42 PM ET by Paul L. Walsh
1. Will it get me MLB radio broadcasts?
YES! Depending on connection speed, you can get those.. Even the video too! :)
2. Will it give me online access to my BofA account?
I use it EVERY day for it - and YES YES!!
Posted Sep 29, 2004, 2:20 AM ET by Adam Meltzer
Will it play videos recorded from Windows XP Media Center Edition?
I believe it will since the media player has been redesigned to allow for network files, I'm thinking about plugging my Portable hard drive in the usb port and seeing if it will play my mp3's locally.
Posted Sep 28, 2004, 11:28 PM ET by T,J,
I just wish it was a bit faster and could open Flash web sites....I think this new box will accomplish this ..
I open flash sites all the time, and it seems to accomodate all sites but one I've found.
Posted Sep 28, 2004, 5:07 PM ET by Dave Robertson
Do the USB ports/drivers support use of a printer?
YES!!! There are several printers that work fine!
Posted Sep 28, 2004, 9:42 PM ET by Paul L. Walsh
1. Will it get me MLB radio broadcasts?
YES! Depending on connection speed, you can get those.. Even the video too! :)
2. Will it give me online access to my BofA account?
I use it EVERY day for it - and YES YES!!
Posted Sep 29, 2004, 2:20 AM ET by Adam Meltzer
Will it play videos recorded from Windows XP Media Center Edition?
I believe it will since the media player has been redesigned to allow for network files, I'm thinking about plugging my Portable hard drive in the usb port and seeing if it will play my mp3's locally.
Posted Sep 28, 2004, 11:28 PM ET by T,J,
I just wish it was a bit faster and could open Flash web sites....I think this new box will accomplish this ..
I open flash sites all the time, and it seems to accomodate all sites but one I've found.
These keyboards will work for the new MSNTV 2. They don't seem much different in terms of hardware - just re-badged, I think.
I hope that I am not begging the question by asking about the MSN TV 2 settop box: Is this really true broadband or is it dsl?
If this is broadband, can the internet service be purchased from either Adelphia cable(Scranton, PA cable company) or MSN TV?
I waited until the Plus unit came out instead of purchasing the classic. I have a Philips Magnavox WebTV Plus box (upgrade 2.9) that I purchased in July, 1998, would I loose any upgrades by doing a box swap for a Thomson MSN TV 2 broadband connection box?
Is this new product a Plus or a classic?
If this is a classic, I will probably wait until the Plus unit comes out, just as I did with the dial-up box.
Will this MSN TV 2 unit support Real Audio and WMP, will this new box support more less or the same audio features that the WebTV Plus unit supports?
Will this new box be able to support additional future upgrades?
Also what attachments will this unit support? What attachments won't this unit support?
Also, will the storage features be more, less, or the same as the Webtv Plus unit?
Also, am I less or more likely to come across the page to big too be shown statement?
Is this the correct forum to be asking these questions? If not, what is the url for the correct forum?
I hope that I am not begging the question by asking about the MSN TV 2 settop box: Is this really true broadband or is it dsl?
If this is broadband, can the internet service be purchased from either Adelphia cable(Scranton, PA cable company) or MSN TV?
I waited until the Plus unit came out instead of purchasing the classic. I have a Philips Magnavox WebTV Plus box (upgrade 2.9) that I purchased in July, 1998, would I loose any upgrades by doing a box swap for a Thomson MSN TV 2 broadband connection box?
Is this new product a Plus or a classic?
If this is a classic, I will probably wait until the Plus unit comes out, just as I did with the dial-up box.
Will this MSN TV 2 unit support Real Audio and WMP, will this new box support more less or the same audio features that the WebTV Plus unit supports?
Will this new box be able to support additional future upgrades?
Also what attachments will this unit support? What attachments won't this unit support?
Also, will the storage features be more, less, or the same as the Webtv Plus unit?
Also, am I less or more likely to come across the page to big too be shown statement?
Is this the correct forum to be asking these questions? If not, what is the url for the correct forum?
can i use my regular sbc global dsl internet with this?
are there any subscription requirements to use this device?
these guys(microsoft/rca) aren't trying scam people like Tivo2 is now doing are they?
I am just trying to find some of your print and internet ads because my son was one of your models on 8/27/04 the mermaid house. thank you so much.
I am just trying to find some of your print and internet ads because my son was one of your models on 8/27/04 the mermaid house. thank you so much.
Head over to www.msntv2.INFO to learn more abou MSN TV 2! I've built an FAQ there and you can submit your questions to me. The neat thing is that I actually work on the engineering team for MSN TV so I can give you the straight story to all of your questions! Just click on "Tommy" to get there :)
MSN TV2?
I pay $21.95 per month for my MSN9 Internet Service (dial up) and for no extra charge my Web TV Plus Service is included.
FREE FEE WEB TV! So why upGRADE? Web TV can sign on to MSN9/Passport account, Hotmail, IE or Netscape and emulate most Windows clicks!
~ Mr Bill, Hope you can find a better use for a 733mhz motherboard: a $21.95/mo. value. My mothers cellphone is All That 2...lol.
Another hardware product better put to software patches on existing product? Hack the effort on existing MSN TV Plus Service would meet most the milestones of MSN TV2!
It's a TV Work $tation, a Pay TV $tation? A Terminal DUMB Server?
Not PC?
Not TV?
Not WebIE?
Not MSN?
Not E-FREE?
MSN WEBless TV Too; Sorry, I don't do WINDOWS CE?
The concept of Web TV is to REDUCE the HARDWARE burden of the consumer. Approching the "Dick Tracy Wrist Radio" form factor!
Or one size fits all hardware interface needs; ie; PC, Phone, Voice, DATA, TV, AM, FM, DVD, ATM, WEB and free software upgrades?
...dreamachine :)
Thanks for the jobsecurITy,
rikki...
Systems Engineer:
Tektonix, TV & IDP,
Novell, (CNE #0)
MSN TV 2
PUTS TO SHAME THE OLD WEB TV PLUS AT 2.9 HAHAHAHA THE NEW MSN TV 2 STARTS AT 6.0
BIG BIG BIG DIFFER AND WITH ALL THE DICS YOU GET WHEN YOU ALREADY A WEB TV ER LIKE 2 FREE MONTHS OF USE AND 25 DOLLARS REBATE IT ONLY COSTS 135.00 YOU CANT BEAT IT JUST ME WHEN YOU SED THIS NEW MSN TV 2 YOU THROW AWAY THE OLD WEB TV S AND THE PLUS
Yes, the USBs support most Epson and HP USB printers. A full list of supported printers can be seen at:
http://www.msntv.com/pc/support/printers.asp
DOES MSN2 SHOW WEB CAMS?
I have been using webtv plus for about 6 years and have no complaints or regrets. On the contrary, I still find it a pleasure to use because of it's simplicity & freedom from fear of viruses. Used printers for this unit are cheap and plentiful and the sharp viewcam 8 with a/v works just fine for pictures. The faster speed and pdf usage would be great with the MSN 2 ! ...However it would require a new camera & printer, Plus the loss of the offer of a additional pc user at no extra charge currently being offered from MSN...The price is right for current webtv users, but the additional cost for the camera, printer, pc usage, is a bummer. Should I just go ahead and try it for a month ..What do you think ? ?
i love my webtv convenience and am upgrading to msntv2.
i am investing in a combination tv/pc flat panel for improved resolution and a router to my dsl connection for improved speed.
My friend has a MSN WEB TV 2 and is very happy with it over the Web TV Plus, but he can't find a printer that is compatible. I plan on buying the MSN WEB TV 2 too, but I would like to get a printer at the same time. Where can I get a list of printers that work with the new Web TV ? Thank you, BB
Have had web tv several years now and have loved it until last 6-8 mo. I am now only occasionally able to sign into e-bay and even then it takes 2-3 minutes to load a page. I am no longer able to place orders on most web. Weather web sites and other sites that require me to enter info then hit "GO" will not accept my 'go' I have lost all trust and confidence in webtv and will be buying a computer instead unless I can find other people that have had these problems with the old and don't with webtv 2. I REALLY like the no computer thing....but webtv has got me scared from their past poor service/speed/capabilities. Help?
Here is a list of compatible printers as well as loads of information on MSN TV2
http://www.webtv.com/pc/support/printers.asp
Trying the link again! (for printers)
I just added the msn 2 tv to my media systems. I also run a D-Link media sever, which is great..also have MVP+hauppage pvr-350, added a sony dvd-vcr recorder and what do you have....1 heck of a system started...wanted to add them myself and do what I wanted instead of getting a pc media center 2005. I may still consider it, but my way gives me a better control of my media I want to watch. I have about a teribit of sci-fi recorded on my 2003 server....just today I added a rca remote switch box, so I can switch between devices all with out leaving my chair. You see I am disabled and getting up all the time in a wheel chair just takes all the fun out of it.
So you guys, add the msn 2 tv...its a great little add-on....who cares about redundant features on some, like a poster said...enjoyment, fun toys...its great, thats what its all about...not money.
See ya'
ScadaRick
i have msntv2. i get videos off yahoo & a few other sites. but msn who i pay offers no videos to dial up users. tells you they can`t play & shunt you back to home page. also what is active x controls. i get a message sometimes that a page may not play to well because of active x .click ok & you can get som e stuff. its a security issue.but sec. only allows text size change ,clear recents & www`s & clear cookies. how do i bypass or shut off this active x garbage??
I recently purchased the MSNTV2 Media Player and am trying to find out if there is a scanner that is compatable? A friend gave me a scanner. Its called: EPSON PERFECTION 1250
Does the MSNTV Media player even have
I have a MSNTV2 MEDIA PLAYER. Is there a Scanner that is compatable? I have an EPSON PERFECTION 1250.
had the old webtv liked it just got webtv2 like it put it on my satelite modem networked it direcway like webtv2 sit in your layboy chair not like being at your pc very happy with msntv2
doesn`t anyone answer these posts .a asked about this active x control message i get on the msntv2. somebody please explain .they discourage you from seeing any videos .even the other outfits tell you it won`t play well don`t believe it .click keep playing. you can get news & sports videos from every site but the 1 you pay every mo.
I am trying understand how to using about MSNTV 2 Internet & Media Player. ~~~~ I never know I might need help this MSNTV 2 Unit. ~~~~ Right now I am on using MSNTV 2 but very hard for me understand. ~~~~ I like it WebTV LBB much better. ~~~~ Why can MSNTV 2 just like WebTV LBB. ~~~~ I do hate go back old WebTV Unit and I hope I might like it about MSNTV 2.
What is acard reader?tell me how it works,how many pics can it save? is there a camera that comes with it?i want to take pictures and post them on sites How do i start where do i go to buy?and what's the prices more or less.
My boyfriend, electrocuted in 1998 by high voltage powerlines, used WEBTV PLUS to learn html and build a web page for me. The business venture fizzled, but I want to preserve his accomplishment. Any tips?
I love WEBTVs affordability and simplicity. I see great potential to enhance disabled and bed bound lives and I have purchased many reconditioned units to Johnny Appleseed the WEB. Lately, any Canon BJ2100 printers have stopped working with MSNTV service and neither Canon or MSN can help me fix. Any ideas how to remedy or does anyone know if I bought another printer which works with older units, ie Mag Plus and Sony w250, can we expect printing capability. I hate to invest in more printers if not. I really can't afford to replace all with new MSN TV appliances now either. Anybody know of a nonprofit helping to furnish disbled with WEB TV service and or equipment at cost or discount?
Howdy. My Tv2 is due to arrive tomorrow, and while researching, I found the board below. Just thought Id post it here, since I too ended up here searching info on the unit...
http://64.5.51.217/~webnuts/forum/viewforum.php?f=56
I like my MSNTV2. Need a remote control replacement as mine no longer works. My phone calls & searches get nowhere.
Can anyone help?
If you don't like it, then don't buy it. I loved my old webtv plus--but I live in a small area, and when mine died, I could only get the msntv. So I got it, but I missed many of the features. Now, my msntv blew up and no place in the area carries anything but msntv2-at twice the cost. Not crazy about having to upgrade, but there is a $100 rebate through Best Buy right now and that makes the cost about what the msntv is. But, I am sure that I am much happier with my msntv than I would be with a computer. I don't have to deal with firewalls or computer viruses-I just want my basic internet access and my email. I don't need or want all the bells and whistles of a computer. I like the fact that I can't wipe out my whole computer if I hit a wrong button, or open an email that has a virus. It is worth a few minor inconvienences to not have to worry about those kinds of problems. Plus, with a wireless keyboard, I can set up my webtv where ever i have a phoneline and a tv and I can crash on the couch or in bed and relax while I'm on the internet or dealing with email.
MNS TV2 will not recognize a recommended Netgear WG111v2 USB wireless adapter. Their techsupport could not provide an answer other than buy another adapter, sorry buddy. This answer does not seem appropriate.
Engadgets comment, however, on downloading drivers with the hardwired broadband connection established seemed intriguing. Can someone elaborate on when this works? Does the MSN TV2 box need to recognize the adapter first (which mine doesn't), then the MSN box will use the wired broadband connection automatically to look for adapters? What USB adapters can anyone recommend if I can't download drivers?