| 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.
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