Sony Electronics has announced its latest generation of WebTV service products, including the smallest Sony "Classic" Internet Terminal yet and a new "Plus" Internet Terminal, which provides an enhanced television experience.
These new systems incorporate advanced digital technologies for the Microsoft WebTV Network service and enable consumers to easily send and receive e-mail, connect to and explore the Internet, and enjoy an expanded TV viewing experience through any TV connected to a standard telephone line.
"WebTV brings the best of the Internet to consumers, easily and affordably," said Patricia Ruggieri, director of digital media marketing for Sony Electronics. "And with new sports, entertainment, shopping, money and WebTV service happenings -- all in one convenient place."
With its distinctive small design, the new Sony INT-W150 Internet Terminal measures 8 inches by 7 inches, and sports several user-friendly features, including e-mail capability for up to six users per subscription, a built-in printer port and a programmable TV/Internet Commander Unit remote control.
The new unit utilizes a 56K modem for high-speed Internet access. As many viewers want to print out hard copies, a new built-in printer port will enable them to download favorite pages and Web images such as maps, menus, recipes, stock information, etc.
Enhanced menu guides simplify the process of accessing favorite Internet sites, setting up e-mail accounts and manipulating information on the screen.
And parents will appreciate the parental control feature that limits or Blocks access to mature content and a special Kid Friendly menu.
Online shopping is convenient using the Sony Internet Terminal. The WebTV service now offers a shopping guarantee protecting viewers from Unauthorized charges to their credit cards after making an online purchase.
An optional wireless keyboard allows viewers to surf the Web from the comfort of their couch or favorite chair. The new model INT-W150 will be available in July at a suggested retail price of $99 -- no increase in Price from the previous INT-W100 model.
Better TV and more features for WebTV Plus
In addition to the features on the WebTV Classic service, the new model INT-W250 Internet Terminal enables WebPIP, a feature that enhances TV viewing by allowing the user to watch TV and surf the Internet at the same time.
The WebTV Plus service seamlessly integrates Internet and television programming and also provides interactive TV links. These interactive links enable viewers to go behind-the-scenes of their favorite shows, find out about the actors and even participate in on-line chats.
The new WebTV Plus Internet Terminal also has a convenient record/remind button to automatically record favorite shows and remind viewers when those favorites are coming up. It can even tune to the station whether the viewer is watching TV or surfing the Internet.
The Sony "Plus" INT-W250 will be available this month at a suggested retail price of $199.
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