08/05/98- Updated 09:46 AM ET
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Demand grows for Net on TV
Despite a relative dearth of programming geared toward converging media, there's already a demand for Net TV devices.
That only stands to grow, particularly since media and computer companies recently agreed on a framework for creating so-called enhanced TV applications, which blend TV shows with interactive capabilities.
Such "enhancements" include being able to point and click on an athlete during a sports event to get his stats, accessing more detailed product information during a commercial, and during game shows, playing along at home with studio contestants.
The Advanced Television Enhancement Forum (members include Microsoft, Walt Disney, DirecTV, Intel and others), recently agreed on a universal standard for enhanced TV content, whether transmitted over the air, from cable or by satellite. This was good news for content developers, faced with creating different versions of programs for a range of incompatible devices.
One of the chief beneficiaries is WebTV, which now can cite enhanced TV content among its features.
The original WebTV, now termed "Classic" (around $99, plus $19.95 a month) was launched in 1996, intended as an easy on-ramp to the Net for novices. Using their TV instead of a PC, subscribers can send and receive e-mail and surf the Web, thanks to a small set-top box that connects to the TV and phone line.
Now, in anticipation of the dawning age of TV-Internet convergence, the company has shifted its strategy for its latest model, which is being marketed as an enhanced TV experience.
WebTV Plus (around $199 from Sony, Philips and Mitsubishi, plus $70 for the wireless keyboard and $24.95 a month subscription) has yet to reveal sales since the new unit's December launch. But combined sales for both versions have surpassed 400,000 units, says WebTV's Chip Herman.
Fueled by stepped-up advertising, demand has skyrocketed; some users have complained of busy signals as the company scrambles to expand capacity.
In addition to Web surfing and up to six e-mail accounts, WebTV Plus offers "crossover links," icons that pop up on the screen to indicate that additional content is available.
E! Entertainment is one of the few content providers that have agreed to offer enhanced programming; more are expected to sign on in coming months, thanks to the standards decision.
By Bruce Haring, USA TODAY
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