What is Webtv? Internet access for the faint-of-heart.

Webtv, now known as MSNTV, is a set-top box that connects you to the internet by using your phone line for dial-up access and your television as a viewing screen. There is a remote control and a wireless keyboard for even more convenient usage.  For my money, it is internet access as it ought to be. Quick, convenient and safe.

Created in the late 1990's by 3 guys who loved it and the folks who subscribed to it, webtv was simple to hookup and practically "goof-proof".  Though it had it's limits, the ease of use and safety while searching (virus free with no crashes) combined with a strong and helpful webtv communtity to make this little "box that could" extremely popular with it's subscribers.

In spite of the fact that it does not have a hardrive to download to, webtvers who were also computer experts, made websites that functioned like software and found ways to share all the things that could be done.  Using servers like the WTV-ZONE webtvers can upload (not download) photos, etc. and make websites.

The price for internet access was a little steep, but well worth it. After MSN bought out the webtv service they offered the webtv service for free for those with a computer who subscribed to the MSN service for $21.95  a month.  Upgrades to the webtv service were free and automatic.  This worked well for awhile, upgrading features to include Instant Messenger and Hotmail accounts and Newsgroups exclusive to Webtv users.

Eventually, when MSN realized their purchase of webtv was not as lucrative as they had hoped, they began to ignore it as something to continue to improve.  Later updates caused more problems than they solved and forced many webtvers to downgrade in order to continue to function as they once did.   As the internet progresses, webtv has not kept pace.  Some secure websites cannot be accessed but many like PayPal, Ebay, and Amazon can be. Adobe pages as well as Java cannot be seen.  Newer set top boxes are not being manufactured by Sony, Magnavox or Phillips anymore, but MSN did come out with the MSN2 which has even fewer of the most beloved features and it has not been received well by most webtvers.  We continue to prefer the W200 or W250 Plus versions though some of the old classics , W100's are still in use.

Plus versions have PIP capabilities allowing one to switch back and forth between tv programs and the web. With some television programs that have interactive website features we are able to participate. Plus units allow for sending photos in e-mails using cameras or movie cameras thru the vcr.

Webtv subcribers are devoted to the "little box that could".  We love our webtvs and many spend time attempting to accumulate backup boxes and keyboards at Ebay or Garage sales.  We do not want to have to do without, if our little boxes break down. (Which they rarely do). One of the most important aspects of this unit is that it does not pick up viruses or trojans or those PUP programs. It is surfing and searching at it's safest.

Webtv is perfect for those who want the internet without hassle or worry.  It has up to 6 e-mail accounts available, can be modified to prevent children from surfing to the wrong places. It does not get viruses and , until recently, did not crash.  For the elderly who wish to stay in touch but are fearful of computers, for folks with a limited budget who cannot afford to replace expensive computers or hardware every few years, this set-top box cannot be beat.

I love my Webtv.  When my 2 disfunctional  and out of date computers give me grief (which is most of the time), my webtv makes it all better.