WebTV Networks, Inc. today announced its second-generation system: the WebTV Plus Receiver and WebTV Plus Network service. The new WebTV Plus System gives viewers a greater level of interaction with their televisions, providing a better way to choose which shows to watch and a new way to enjoy more entertainment, information and services that uniquely relate to those shows. The new system complements the original WebTV system, which pioneered the television Internet industry.

The WebTV Plus System features an advanced cable-ready tuner that allows viewers to quickly tune to cable and broadcast channels, and brings picture- in-picture capability to standard televisions so that audiences can now view TV and web programming at the same time. The system also provides web content directly linked to TV shows for a new and seamless integration of TV and web programming.

Distributed initially in the U.S. by the company's manufacturing licensees, Sony Electronics Inc., Philips Consumer Electronics Company and Mitsubishi Consumer Electronics America, the WebTV Plus Receiver is equipped with the most robust set of features available in any computer-related or consumer electronics product in its price category.

"The new WebTV Plus System is a breakthrough in television entertainment because it delivers viewers more choices, more control and a deeper level of interaction and entertainment with TV programs immediately when they demand it," said Steve Perlman, co-founder and president of WebTV Networks, Inc. "We developed revolutionary new technologies in order to provide these new capabilities in an affordable consumer electronics product."

More Control Over What To Watch On TV

The WebTV Plus System provides viewers with more information about what to watch on television through two key features: TV Home and TV Listings. TV Home is the launch point for the WebTV Plus Network service. It gives viewers a fast and convenient way to find descriptions about shows as they flip through channels, or they can quickly see what is playing on a collection of their favorite channels.

TV Listings gives audiences an easy way to plan their TV viewing, scroll through TV channels and watch the currently selected program, all at the same time. TV Listings provides complete descriptions of all cable and broadcast programming a minimum of 48 hours in advance, such as show title, plot, stars and ratings.

Enhanced Internet Experience

The WebTV Plus System provides new web experiences that are rich and dynamic, like television. At the heart of the system are several advanced technologies that boost the delivery and enhance the display of web content so that it matches the audio and visual quality of television, while also providing practical features such as the ability to print.

The system includes a 1.1 GB hard drive for local storage of multimedia content with full-motion video and symphonic sound. Viewers have immediate control and access without having to wait for downloads.

The WebTV Plus Receiver speeds up the retrieval time of web pages through a Rockwell K56flex modem. This gives viewers access to Internet information at almost twice the speed of current V.34 connections over standard phone lines, which is especially useful for graphics-intensive Web pages, sound and video files. The WebTV Plus Receiver also includes the company's breakthrough VideoModem technology, an advanced cable modem that can receive high-bandwidth data (1MB/sec) embedded in a conventional television broadcast signal without disturbing the video content.

Viewers also can print high-quality color output from web sites directly from their televisions. The WebTV Plus Receiver offers a built-in parallel port, with full printer support for popular Hewlett-Packard printers. Customers also will receive support for selected models of popular Canon printers later this year. WebTV Networks works closely with these companies to develop high-quality printing capabilities for WebTV Network™ customers. Both companies are providing 24-hour customer support for WebTV Network customers.

The WebTV Plus System provides viewers with WebPIP™, a new feature that brings picture-in-picture capability to standard televisions. WebPIP allows audiences to watch TV shows and explore related web content at the same time.

Simultaneously View Internet and TV

WebPIP is made possible by a 3D-graphics engine, resident on a revolutionary new chip designed by WebTV Networks called "Solo." With WebPIP functionality, viewers can instantly switch among full-screen TV, full-screen web and the combined picture-in-picture TV and web displays. Viewers also will experience dramatic 3D special-effects transitions with live video and graphics.

TV Crossover Links

The WebTV Plus Network service features TV Crossover Links, which complement and enhance TV programs by providing quick and easy access to integrated web sites that are directly related to popular TV programs. The WebTV Plus Receiver detects web links and data embedded in video broadcast and notifies viewers with a small icon that appears on their television screens.

TV Crossover Links give audiences a variety of entertaining possibilities to choose from. They may find breaking news or gossip about their favorite stars, or a synopsis of past episodes. They might engage in online chatting with fans or stars, or offer their feedback through instantaneous polls and votes.

By giving viewers more ways to interact with their television programming, TV Crossover Links also provide broadcasters and advertisers with a powerful new medium to connect more closely and efficiently with their audiences. Leading content providers such as Discovery, E! Online, PBS, Warner Bros. Online and MSNBC will be taking advantage of web-based content to enhance their television programming.

Pricing and Availability

The WebTV Plus Receiver will be available in retail outlets in the U.S. later this fall. Models from consumer electronics licensees are expected to be priced at less than $300. The WebTV Plus Network service will be available to new subscribers for a monthly fee of $19.95.

Founded in 1995 by Steve Perlman, Bruce Leak and Phil Goldman, WebTV Networks is dedicated to delivering entertaining new experiences and information to consumers through the integration of television programming and the Internet. WebTV Networks operates the WebTV Network Service and develops the WebTV Internet Terminal and WebTV Plus Receiver, which are available through the company's U.S. licensees, Sony Electronics Inc., Philips Consumer Electronics Company and Mitsubishi Consumer Electronics America at U.S. consumer electronics stores nationwide. WebTV Networks, based in Palo Alto, Calif., is a subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation.

Source: WebTV Networks, Inc.