Philips MAT976A1 WebTV Plus/MSN TV Receiver Review

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(More customer reviews)There are various reasons why I love my webtv. First of all...so much easier than a computer and does basically all the same things. You can email, send and receive photos and voice mail recordings, print,surf the net, build web pages. You also do not EVER have to worry about viruses or upgrading. Webtv upgrades automatically when they have something new. Our latest is instant messaging which is great!!

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The Philips MAT976A1 WebTV Plus/MSN TV Internet receiver works in tandem with Microsoft's MSN TV service to simplify the process of using the Internet. There's no computer required--all you need is the MAT976A1, an existing television, and a standard phone line. Enjoy the seamless integration of TV and Internet viewing through this simple, low-cost package. Easy-to-follow instructions come in the box. Once you've connected the receiver to a television and phone line, simply turn it on and follow the onscreen instructions that guide you through the simple process of selecting and purchasing an MSN TV subscription. Plans range from $9.95 to $24.95 per month, depending upon your needs and interests. MSN TV (formerly WebTV) is a subscription-based online service that packages specially screened and selected content. All Web content is adjusted for viewing on a television, and the graphics are enhanced for better viewing. Using the included universal remote or an optional wireless keyboard, you can send and receive e-mail, surf the Web, and enjoy many benefits of being online--right from the comfort and convenience of your couch. The MAT976A1's TVLens technology presents Web pages with stunning clarity: content is always readable, and the TVLens eliminates interlace flickering and enhances your perceived image quality. The unit comes with Philips Magnavox's WebEye remote infrared receiver, a device that lets you place the MAT976A1 out of view in a more convenient place. A small cable connects the WebEye to the main unit. You can simultaneously watch television and maintain a connection to the Internet, even if your TV doesn't have picture-in-picture capability. You can view text and video information about TV programs up to seven days in advance. This data is automatically updated from the Internet and remains available even when you're offline. While online, a feature called TV Crossover Links grants instantaneous access to the Internet using Microsoft-embedded links in TV programs or commercials--a great way to learn more about the programs you're watching. Though it won't be as fast as broadband service, you'll enjoy a quick Internet connection and timely downloading of Web pages thanks to the MAT976A1's 167 MHz processor and built-in 56K modem. The MAT976A1 also offers advanced graphics and video performance through Videoflash, providing full-screen, full-motion video and customized graphics acceleration. The MAT976A1 supports up to six e-mail users per household. Each account can be password-protected and has a unique Internet e-mail address, favorites list, and customized settings. MessageWatch periodically dials in to see if there is new e-mail--regardless of whether the Internet is activated--and a red "message" LED on the unit's front panel notifies you when new e-mail is present. Parental control software is available for children's accounts, helping to prevent access to inappropriate content, chat rooms, and e-mail from strangers. While MSN TV does provide access to the Internet and e-mail, it is not designed to offer spreadsheet, word-processing, or other capabilities often associated with personal computers. MSN TV service does, however, support Secure Socket Layer (SSL), the Internet encryption standard. This allows MSN TV to offer encryption-protected online banking and shopping to subscribers, making online transactions simple and convenient. MSN TV services are available as a local call in most areas. In some cases, long-distance telephone toll charges may apply. To determine if local access is available for you, just type your number into the fields on this page and hit "search": www.webtv.com/accesslocator/accesslocator.aspx. Detailed MSN TV pricing information is available here: www.webtv.com/buy_plans.aspx. For toll-free MSN TV customer support, call (800) 469-3288. What's in the Box Telephone splitter, RJ-11 phone cord, composite-video/stereo analog audio interconnect, S-video cable, remote control (with two AA batteries), power cord, WebEye remote receiver, coaxial video cable, IR (infrared) blaster cable, and a user's manual.

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