I haven?t seen any posts on the new MSN TV2, that replaces the msn webtv units. But being a pc & gadget nerd I had to give these new gadgets a try. I had to try msn tv2, since it now has high speed internet support. The slow dial-up speed was a big drawback with webtv, as well as the poor outdated software in webtv units. These new MSN TV2 units are a big improvement over webtv, but only if you have high speed internet already. Its kinda like having the high-speed and AOL. Faster logon's and fast response. These msc tv2 units come with a keyboard (included), a remote and has network connector as well as the old 56k modem too (if you need that). Its connections are very basic. Composite & s-video out, network and phone line. No RF out, or and A/V inputs. Oh, also has USB ports... why?
The new units look nice and slick, colorful lights (if you like colorful lights). The high speed support is this units big plus, a lot nicer and usable now. The TV picture is still webtv-looking. The browser supports more, but msn video looks very low quality (from their msn tv2 site). Looks like video made for 56k dialup.
Msn tv2 also is now a home media player (mp3, video & photos) for your networked pc's. All you need to do is allow "sharing" of a folder(s) containing your pc's video, mp3's or photos. However, playing video from your pc is not full screen, not quite. Even in "full screen" on the tv, msn tv2 puts black boarders around the video. It doesn?t fill the screen. Kind of a weird thing, and why? You probably wont be using this unit to play video from your pc very much. Media players like d-link 320 or even the MediaMVP does this a lot better and in full screen.
You can have up to 10 emails/users now with msn tv2 account, which is now $10 a month (using YOUR high speed internet). Dialup is still something like $25 monthly (I think).
All in all, for $10 a month (if you have high speed), I'd say msn tv2 is worth it, if you need it. But only for the $10 a month, and only if using the high speed. Otherwise, its just the same webtv unit with slow dialup as before. If getting this for the old folks or in suggesting for people who hate/wont use pc's, it really doesnt make sense. In order to use the high speed (the only way to go with these), your parents would have to get high speed cable too, @ $50+ a month. Most folks wouldnt see wanting to go that far for msn tv2.
The new units look nice and slick, colorful lights (if you like colorful lights). The high speed support is this units big plus, a lot nicer and usable now. The TV picture is still webtv-looking. The browser supports more, but msn video looks very low quality (from their msn tv2 site). Looks like video made for 56k dialup.
Msn tv2 also is now a home media player (mp3, video & photos) for your networked pc's. All you need to do is allow "sharing" of a folder(s) containing your pc's video, mp3's or photos. However, playing video from your pc is not full screen, not quite. Even in "full screen" on the tv, msn tv2 puts black boarders around the video. It doesn?t fill the screen. Kind of a weird thing, and why? You probably wont be using this unit to play video from your pc very much. Media players like d-link 320 or even the MediaMVP does this a lot better and in full screen.
You can have up to 10 emails/users now with msn tv2 account, which is now $10 a month (using YOUR high speed internet). Dialup is still something like $25 monthly (I think).
All in all, for $10 a month (if you have high speed), I'd say msn tv2 is worth it, if you need it. But only for the $10 a month, and only if using the high speed. Otherwise, its just the same webtv unit with slow dialup as before. If getting this for the old folks or in suggesting for people who hate/wont use pc's, it really doesnt make sense. In order to use the high speed (the only way to go with these), your parents would have to get high speed cable too, @ $50+ a month. Most folks wouldnt see wanting to go that far for msn tv2.
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