Features
Internet via your TV
09/25/2000
The Times of London News International
1DN
Page 3
(Copyright Times Newspapers Ltd, 2000)
MICROSOFT TV
The potential market for "enhanced TV" is more than 800 million TV households worldwide. Microsoft is a partner, not an owner, for these new capabilities - it provides services and software to content developers, broadcasters, cable companies and so on.
The software, Microsoft TV, operates on a range of TV-centric appliances, from advanced set-top boxes through to integrated televisions. Basically, it is a suite of software components that offers network operators the tools to provide, manage, and operate a large-scale, commercial-grade enhanced TV service.
The service supports the latest developments in enhanced TV, such as personalised EPG (electronic programme guide) which can be programmed to list the watcher's favourite programmes; DVR (digital video recording); interactive television, in whichviewers can, for example, play along with their favourite game shows and full access to the internet.
* www.microsoft.com/tv/
BUSH INTERNET
Bush Internet has launched internet televisions available in high street stores for around Pounds 169. These plug into your telephone line so that you can access the internet at the push of a button on the remote control.
Opening up the remote control reveals an infrared QWERTY keyboard from which you can control your armchair travels. When you have finished surfing, you can switch back to your regular TV channels.
The bonus of this service is that it guarantees full internet access rather than just offering a selected list of sites. However, parental controls are available if you want them to prevent untoward web wandering on the part of your children.
Bush Internet will initially offer 14in screens followed by 21in and 28in screens, as well as set-top boxes (for around Pounds 99) which grant full internet functionality to your current TV.
Bush Internet (01923 859777)
* www.bushinternet.com
EUROPE ONLINE
Europe Online has created a broadband internet infrastructure through the use of a powerful satellite system. By linking with Astra's personal satellite network it aims to offer the freedom and choice of the internet with the broadcast quality and speed of television.
For 15 (Pounds 9) a month the service provides entertainment, education, shopping, communication and business information.
* www.europeonline.com
WEB2U
UK-based Web2U manufactures a set-top box that offers low-cost internet access and e-mail to anyone with a television and telephone. The Web2U box (which incorporates proprietary chipset, software, web browser, keyboard and e-mail) has a retail price of about Pounds 99. In the UK, you can buy it in Argos and Tandy.
An infra-red keyboard allows you visit any website on the internet. The graphics system enables high quality clarity on your TV screen, and the 56K modem provides fast access speeds.
The Web2U set-top box is compatible with any TV that has a Scart connector and will print to any Hewlett Packard desk jet printer.
The box comes with a Scart cable, 5mm standard telephone cable, infra-red remote control and QWERTY keyboard.
* web-2u.com;
WEBSURFER
The websurfer set-top box connects your TV to the internet via your telephone in the usual way. When you switch on the Websurfer box it automatically logs on to information servers and sets up your account.
The box has a USB port into which you plug a plastic key that acts as your online credit/debit card.
The box's "YESkey" service has an in-built encryption programme that promises secure shopping over the web.
The box also has a facility for enlarging text and graphics on the TV screen. This is especially useful for people with poor eyesight.
* www.vipcall.net |
