Microsoft ventures into the consumer electronics market as the first company to converge the Internet with TV. The MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player unit delivers interactive services to the TV. The long-version description is that it is a broadband-home-network-enabled living-room device that provides entertainment, information and communications options for TV. It is due in major U.S. consumer electronics stores by mid-October.

MSN TV 2 brings premium MSN content, PC-stored digital media and email to TV and lets viewers watch Web or PC-based photo slide shows, music, or videos. Some of its feature include a video service that offers access to video clips from TV networks; a menu of 200 commercial-free radio stations; photo viewer; ability to play MP3s or Windows Media Player-compatible music or video; 11 email accounts; online messenger and chat services; and Web surfing with parental controls. The device sells at $199.95 U.S. plus a subscription fee of $9.95 a month or $99.95 a year for broadband or $21.95 and $199.95 for dial-up users.