Click here to learn
about this Sponsor:
Home  |  News  |  Articles  |  Polls  |  Forum  |  Directory

Keywords: Match:
Microsoft debuts Windows CE based MSN TV2 STB
Oct. 06, 2004

Microsoft's MSN TV division has revealed details of its "MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player," the broadband-oriented successor to its earlier modem-bound WebTV Internet receiver. Microsoft describes the new set-top box (STB) as a broadband- and home network-enabled, livingroom-oriented device for use on top of the TV or inside the entertainment center cabinet. The STB runs Windows CE along with an assortment of other Microsoft software technologies.

(Click here for larger image MSN TV 2 STB)


MSN TV2 includes a keyboard and remote control


Hardware

The new MSN TV STB, designated model RM 4100, is manufactured by Thomson under the RCA brand. The device is based on a 733MHz Intel Celeron processor equipped with 128MB of RAM. That's "16 times more [memory] than in the 'old' MSN TV STB," according to MSN TV general manager Sam Klepper.

There's also 64MB of flash memory. The flash memory is used for storing the unit's embedded software, as well as some limited storage for digital photos which are down-sampled for display on the TV, Klepper says. "We store about a hundred digital photographs on the device itself."

From a connectivity perspective, the STB includes a 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port for broadband access, two USB 2.0 ports for accessories such as printers, wireless adapters, and digital media card readers. It also provides a built-in 56Kbps telephone modem for legacy dial-up access.


Rear panel connections
(Click image for a larger view)


Embedded software

The device's embedded software stack is based on Microsoft's Windows CE 4.2 embedded operating system. "When we were developing the device, that was the latest greatest version available, and we'll be updating it to 5.0 in the future," explained Klepper.

The device also contains various other Microsoft technology components, Klepper says, including a version of Windows Media Player that has been optimized for television, and IE6 Web browser technology. In particular, the device, "is one of the first clients to have Windows Media Connect technology," adds Klepper. WMC is a UPnP-compliant technology that "hasn't officially launched yet," according to Klepper. "It's about discovering devices on a network and easily accessing the media on those devices," he notes.

"We're taking key pieces of technology from the rest of Microsoft and bringing them together in this brand new set-top box for the TV," says Klepper.

What it does

"We're combining both media and the Internet in this device," Klepper says. Whereas WebTV's original market was mainly technology newbies -- "folks who just don't have PCs at home," according to Klepper -- MSN TV2 will additionally target broadband users who wish to play back media stored on their home LAN, while still including a modem for users wishing to use the device as their primary Internet access device.

"They do digital photography, they make their own home movies, they download music -- and we're going to unlock their personal media that's on their computer -- that's often in a room that's kind of far flung from the center of the house -- and bring that very easily through their home network to their television set so they can enjoy that media with their family and their friends. And in addition to doing that, we don't just limit you to what media files are on your PC, but we bring you media from the Internet as well, so you get that vast array of content. You can go out and do Windows Media Video, audio, jpegs, or even data if you want information."

In short, MSN TV 2 transitions MSN TV from low-speed, modem-based services to primarily high-speed, broadband-based services based on content accessed both inside the home and on the Internet. Specifically, the new services provide broadband-enabled households with TV access to Windows Media-compatible music, video, and photos from the Web, and to content located in files on networked PCs, according to Klepper. Users can choose from hundreds of news, sports and entertainment video clips updated daily from leading content providers, and even access to 200 commercial-free radio stations, Klepper says.

Additionally, the service includes a primary MSN email account with 2GB of storage, 10 secondary email accounts with 250MB of storage each, and "constantly updated spam protection."

What it doesn't do

Does the new MSN TV2 STB provide TiVo-like "PVR" (personal video recorder) capabilities?

It's not a PC, Klepper notes. "When you compare it to a PC, we don't really need all the horsepower of a PC -- so it doesn't really compare to a PC. But if you compare it to devices in the market that go and grab digital media off of a PC and bring it to a television set -- the 'digital media receivers' that are out there -- it's actually at the top of the class."

Another difference from a PC is that the device does not include an internal hard drive for content storage. Consequently, it can't record TV shows and instead must rely on Internet content and "your own media on your PC," says Klepper. "In the case of MSN Video, that's an Internet-based service, so you're watching a five or ten minute clip or a short film," he adds. "It does have a similar benefit in that it's watching what you want, when you want."

Is there a plan to add a hard drive to the device? "We don't have plans for that yet," Klepper says. "There's cost issues around that, plus, we're using the hard drive of the PC, and streaming the media over that way," he adds. But it requires having the PC running, and using the PC to download and store content.

Despite Klepper's comments, it seems unlikely that the device won't sprout PVR capabilities in the not-too-distant future -- especially given the popularity of TiVo and other PVRs, the power of a Celeron-based embedded computer running Windows CE, and the presence of a pair of USB 2.0 expansion ports.

Summary of key specs
  • Operating System -- Windows CE 4.2
  • Processor -- 733MHz Intel Celeron
  • Memory -- 128MB RAM; 64MB Flash
  • Dimensions -- 11.75 x 9 x 2.4 inches
  • Weight -- 4.45 lbs
  • Supported Image Formats -- JPEG, GIF, BMP, PNG
  • Supported Media Players -- Windows Media Player for TV
  • Web browser -- Internet Explorer 6.0 technology
  • TV and Stereo Requirements -- TV (or VCR connected to a TV) with available audio/video input jacks or available antenna jack (if your TV only has an antenna jack, an RF modulator is required). S-video connection optional.
  • Stereo or AV player with available RCA audio input jacks
  • Wired broadband network requirements:
    • Ethernet network hub/router/gateway
    • Ethernet cable with RJ45 connectors
  • Wireless Broadband Network Requirements -- Compatible Wi-Fi/wireless Ethernet bridge (802.11b) for connecting to an existing wireless network

Availability

MSN TV 2 will be offered throughout the US through major consumer electronic retailers such as Best Buy, Circuit City Stores, and CompUSA, and online through Amazon.com and Microsoft.com, beginning this week, Microsoft says. MSN TV subscription packages are required to receive MSN TV service, which range from $9.95 monthly, or $99.95 annually for users who connect through their own broadband service, and $21.95 monthly or $199.95 annually for dial-up users.



Related Stories:


(Click here for further information)


Windows XP for Embedded Applications
This white paper describes the benefits of using Windows XP when developing embedded applications.

A Manager's Guide to Selecting a Mobile Device Operating System
This white paper offers a comparative review of Microsoft Windows CE and Windows Mobile.

Visual Basic 6.0 to .NET Migration
This paper focuses on the methodology and techniques which Infosys (Microsoft Technology Center) has developed for migrating VB 6.0 Applications to .NET. Our approach ensures a smooth, cost effective, and efficient migration.

Mobile Device Security: Securing the Handheld, Securing the Enterprise
This whitepaper identifies security threats to corporate data on mobile devices and details how mobile devices can become a "backdoor" to the enterprise.

Mobile Device Security: The Eight Areas of Risk
It's common knowledge that adding mobile devices to your network increases security risks. There are multiple facets to mobile security, all of which should be paid close attention to. This E-Guide presents a more in depth look into the eight key areas of securing wireless devices.

Quality Assurance and .NET
This paper discusses best practices for functional, regression and load testing of .NET applications.

SCADA Security in Integrated Networks
As businesses leverage their SCADA systems by integrating them into the business networks, they must also assure the security of the SCADA system.

The Advantages of Small Form Factor HMI
HMIs have mutated and changed with new requirements, and they have become more flexible and capable. And while they've been doing that, they've become smaller and more useful.

9 Critical Requirements for Web Application Security
Learn why your Web applications expose dangerous security breaches and what’s required to effectively protect your Web applications and the sensitive information behind them.

 


Got a HOT tip?   please tell us!
Free weekly newsletter
Enter your email...
Click here for a profile of each sponsor:
PLATINUM SPONSORS
(Become a sponsor)

ADVERTISEMENT
(Advertise here)

Updated! The latest Windows-powered...

mobile phones!

other cool
gadgets

HOT TOPICS
Microsoft targets PNDs with new embedded OS
Microsoft tips .NET MF 3.0 highlights
Microsoft previews Windows Embedded Standard
Microsoft offers free Windows CE 6.0 textbook
Microsoft renames embedded operating systems
Microsoft unveils Windows Mobile 6.1
New Atom models target low-cost PCs
REFERENCE GUIDES
Windows Device Showcase
Intro to Windows Embedded
Intro to Shared Source
Real-time Windows Embedded
Windows Embedded books
Join our Windows Embedded discussion forums:
Windows XP Embedded
Windows CE
Windows Mobile


Windows Embedded developer newsgroups
Windows CE
XP Embedded
PocketPC
Smartphone

Microsoft's Windows Embedded resources
Embedded dev center
Mobile dev center
Windows CE tutorials
XP Embedded tutorials
Windows Embedded seminars
Windows Embedded application categories
3rd-party partners


BREAKING NEWS

• Cortex-A8 SBCs target signage and kiosks
• Student competition offers a different kind of fireworks
• Windows CE SBC targets HMI development
• All-you-can-eat carrier launches -- sort of
• Adeneo and IntervalZero promote "soft-control" architecture
• App creates virtual serial ports in Windows CE
• Windows satellite phone service takes off (literally)
• Bsquare and Microsoft renew key distribution agreement
• Software syncs HTC phones with Macs
• Electricity meter runs Windows, talks to Google
• Windows device is two phones in one
• MIcrosoft's online store to debut with 600 Windows Mobile apps
• Windows Mobile gets upgraded Skype VoIP client
• Panel PC targets outdoor use
• Samsung shrinks ARM11 application processor


MOST POPULAR (last 90 days)
• "Netbook" uses Intel's Atom N270
• Windows CE takes on Linux in low-end netbooks
• HTC ups Touch resolution
• Microsoft unleashes new embedded OS
• Windows Mobile phone gets 800 x 480 display
• HTC spins WiMAX phone?
• Smart camera sports Atom
• Dual-core AMD netbook gets rave review
• Windows Mobile 7 "delayed"
• GPS phone uses new Marvell "Tavor" chip
MOST POPULAR (Classics from the vault)
Windows XP Embedded USB boot
Troubleshooting Windows XPe's blue screen "Stop 0x0000007B" error
Asus reveals $190 mini notebook
Windows Mobile 6 SDKs available for download
Windows Mobile VPN client plays with Cisco
HTC adds GPS to Windows Mobile Touch line
Microsoft unveils Windows Mobile 6.1
Guide to HTC's Windows Mobile smartphone platforms
• HTC releases Touch Diamond ROM upgrade
Customizing Windows XP Embedded thin clients

Also visit our sister sites:


Sign up for WindowsForDevices.com's...

news feed

Or, follow us on Twitter...



Home  |  News  |  Articles  |  Polls  |  Forum  |  Directory  |  About  |  Contact
 

Ziff Davis Enterprise Home | Contact Us | Advertise | Link to Us | Reprints | Magazine Subscriptions | Newsletters
Tech RSS Feeds | White Papers | ROI Calculators | Tech Podcasts | Tech Video | VARs | Channel News

Baseline | Careers | Channel Insider | CIO Insight | DesktopLinux | DeviceForge | DevSource | eSeminars |
eWEEK | Enterprise Network Security | LinuxDevices | Linux Watch | Microsoft Watch | Mid-market | Networking | PDF Zone |
Publish | Security IT Hub | Strategic Partner | Web Buyer's Guide | Windows for Devices

Developer Shed | Dev Shed | ASP Free | Dev Articles | Dev Hardware | SEO Chat | Tutorialized | Scripts |
Code Walkers | Web Hosters | Dev Mechanic | Dev Archives | igrep

Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2009 Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is prohibited. Windows is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries and is used by WindowsForDevices under license from owner. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. WindowsForDevices is an independent publication not affiliated with Microsoft Corporation.