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The Basics: Getting Started

What does the MSN® TV 2 Internet & Media Player do?

The MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player enables you to relax and enjoy digital photos, music, e-mail and Web access on your big screen TV using a dial-up or broadband connection.

What does the MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player have to offer me?

If you're interested in new features such as broadband or wireless home network compatibility, online radio, the ability to view digital photos on television, or streaming Windows Media® -compatible video and audio content, you should give the MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player a try.

If you already have Internet access through a broadband connection or home network, the MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player provides an affordable, additional Internet access point for another family member. MSN TV dial-up services are available as a local call in most areas. In some areas, long-distance telephone toll charges may apply. To check local access, click here.

If you don't have Internet access at home and you want easy and convenient e-mail and Internet access on your TV, the MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player could be the right solution for you.

How do I get started?

All you need to do is purchase an MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player, and then connect it to your television and either your phone line or your broadband outlet. Easy-to-follow instructions come in the box. Once you've connected the player, simply turn it on and follow the on-screen instructions to register and subscribe. It takes only minutes, and then you're ready to go.

Is there a monthly subscription? How much does it cost?

Yes, a subscription is needed to access the service. We provide the option of dial-up Internet access for $21.95 monthly (or $199.95 annually.) The fee is reduced to $9.95 (or $99.95 annually) for those who bring their own dial-up or broadband access. MSN TV services are available as a local call in most areas. In some areas, long-distance telephone toll charges may apply. To check local access, click here. See our service plans for more details.

How do I get my $50 rebate?

You may be eligible for a $50 mail-in rebate on the purchase of a new MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player. Offer valid from 2/01/05 to 7/31/05. Certain offer restrictions apply. See coupon for details

What is included in the MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player package?

Everything that will allow a user to get up and running with MSN TV service: MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player, a wireless keyboard, a universal remote control and all the necessary cables and batteries. Broadband customers will need to buy an Ethernet cable.

The Basics: Dial-up Service

What is dial-up service?

MSN® TV dial-up service plans are provided through your telephone line. MSN TV service is available as a local call in most areas. However, some users may incur long-distance telephone charges if they live outside the MSN TV toll-free network.

How do I find out if I have local telephone access to MSN TV service?

Use the MSN TV Local Access Locator to confirm local access in your area.

What if I do not have local access to MSN TV service?

You can get access to MSN TV service with our Dial-up Service with Your ISP Plan. This lets you connect to the Internet through an Internet service provider (ISP) in your area in order to connect to MSN TV service. With this plan, the cost of your monthly subscription to MSN TV service will be reduced. However, please note that if you choose an ISP Access Plan, in addition to your monthly MSN TV subscription payment, you will be billed separately for your ISP service by your ISP.

What if I already have a dial-up account with an ISP for my PC and I want to use MSN TV service as a secondary Internet access device?

You can get access to MSN TV service with our Dial-up Service with Your ISP Plan. This lets you connect to the Internet through an Internet service provider (ISP) in your area, use your current ISP, or sign up with MSN Internet Access in order to connect to MSN TV service. With this plan, the cost of your monthly subscription to MSN TV service will be reduced. You will be billed separately for your ISP service by your ISP if you choose the Dial-up Service with Your ISP Plan.

The Basics: Broadband

You mentioned this product is broadband-enabled. What does that mean?

If you have an existing broadband connection in your home, you can plug an Ethernet cable into the MSN® TV 2 Internet & Media Player and access MSN TV service and the Internet using your high-speed connection. You can also utilize an existing home network via Ethernet.

What features do you have for broadband and home-networked households?

The MSN TV service provides the following features to broadband and home-networked households:

• Wired or wireless home networking compatibility
• MSN Video and Windows Media® -compatible content on your TV
• Online and offline access to photo, music and video files stored on a home-networked PC
• Broadband-optimized home page for quick access to broadband content on the Internet
• MSN Radio Plus

If I don't have a PC with a broadband connection, can I still use the high-speed connection on the MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player?

The MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player will support any broadband connection in the home provided that the broadband provider: 1) does not require a subscriber to load client software, and 2) supports DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol).

Broadband Plans

The Basics: Wireless

Which wireless support products are compatible with the MSN® TV service?

We support the following hubs and routers: D-Link, NETGEAR, Linksys and Microsoft.

Which wireless standards are supported in the MSN TV service?

We currently support 802.11b and 802.11g.

Can I stream audio or video over Wi-Fi?

Yes. The MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player supports streaming Windows Media®-compatible audio and video over a wireless connection.

The Basics: Using the MSN® TV Service

Can I print from the MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player?

Yes. The MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player has built-in printer ports that work with select compatible printers. Compatible printers are sold separately. See the complete list of compatible printers for details.

Does the MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player have parental controls?

Yes. The MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player has special settings that allow parents to filter inappropriate content and help protect kids from accessing mature Web site content.

Does the MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player accommodate multiple users?

Each MSN TV service subscription supports up to eleven users at no additional cost. Each user can have a password-protected e-mail address, settings, and Favorites.

How are Internet transactions protected on MSN TV?

MSN TV service supports Secure Socket Layer (SSL), the Internet encryption standard. This allows MSN TV service to offer encryption-protected online banking and shopping to subscribers, which helps make online transactions simple and convenient.

Can I download and store software applications or games on my MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player?

No. The MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player does not have the capability to store this kind of information.

Why is there no mouse support for this product?

Because the MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player is a device connected to the television, the ideal navigation device that is popular among all users is the remote control. Additionally, this device is better suited to the unique navigation provided by the MSN TV service.

What about pop-up ads? Does MSN TV provide any way to disable them, like MSN and some other ISPs?

We disable pop-ups in our browser.

What is the difference between MSN TV and a PC?

The MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player and the MSN TV service subscription are designed to enhance your Internet experience by making it available through your TV. While MSN TV service does provide access to the Internet and e-mail—from the comfort and convenience of your couch—it is not designed to offer spreadsheet, word-processing or other capabilities often associated with PCs. MSN TV service does, however, offer unique features that make accessing the Internet interesting, useful and fun.

The Basics: Customer Support

Is there customer support for MSN® TV 2 Internet & Media Player?

The MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player is designed to be easy to set up and use, but if you have a question we provide toll-free technical support to ensure you have the best possible user experience. Check you user booklet for the proper number to call. MSNTV has set up seperate numbers ofr the different modles.

Do I have to pay for customer support?

No. MSN TV provides toll-free technical support for our subscribers.

How do I contact MSN TV service?

Check your user booklet for proper support numbers.

What is the warranty?

The hardware warranty for the MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player is determined by the manufacturer Thomson Electronics (RCA). Other product return and money back guarantee offers are also provided by retail partners and may vary. However, for the first time, MSN TV is offering a 30-day money-back guarantee on our monthly service for all new customers.

I lost one of my component parts. How do I buy replacements?

Replacements for all MSN TV and WebTV® players are available for purchase from RCA.

Features: E-mail

What e-mail features does the MSN® TV 2 Internet & Media Player offer?

MSN TV 2 makes sending and receiving e-mail easy. Users can open Microsoft® Word, Adobe PDF and photo attachments in e-mail, so sharing documents and pictures with friends and family is simpler than ever. Type size in e-mail is also adjustable, which makes for easier reading.

How many user accounts can I create on MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player?

You can create up to 11 accounts. All new subscribers will have an msn.com e-mail address that is accessible from almost any Internet-connected device or PC. If you want to use a pre-existing msn.com or hotmail.com e-mail address you can use that as well, adding one more way for you to get to your e-mail—from the convenience of your TV.

How much storage do I get with these accounts?

MSN TV 2 offers increased storage capacity, which is important for sharing and storing your photos. The primary user gets up to 2 GB of storage, with each additional user getting up to 250 MB of storage per account.

What e-mail attachments can I view with the MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player?

You can view attachments in the following formats: Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF, JPG, GIF, BMP and PNG.

Features: Chat and Instant Messaging

Can I instant message with MSN® TV 2 Internet & Media Player?

You can send and receive instant messages with any Internet user who is also logged in to MSN Messenger. MSN Messenger is available for free download for connected PC users.

What about Chat?

With MSN TV service you can access MSN Chat rooms.

Will I have the same contact list as I do on my PC?

If you are an MSN subscriber and log in with your Passport on MSN TV, you will.

Features: Photos

What is my storage limit for photos?

MSN® TV 2 Internet & Media Player stores photos in your e-mail account. The primary account on every unit has a total of 2 GB of storage capacity (which includes e-mail, photos, Adobe PDF and Microsoft® Word attachments within e-mail) with up to ten additional users receiving up to 250 MB.

Can you connect a digital camera directly to MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player?

Not yet. The drivers for connecting a digital camera directly to the MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player are not available in Windows® CE, but we do support compatible USB media card readers (sold separately).

What memory cards and readers do you support?

Our current list of supported memory card readers includes:

• Belkin
• Dazzle Multimedia
• Kodak
• Lexar Media
• Memorex
• SanDisk

Can I print photos on high-quality paper?

Yes. You'll need a compatible printer which is sold separately.

What is the resolution of photos when printed?

Printing resolution is determined by the printer resolution and by the size of the paper the photo is printed on.

Can I upload photos to a photo site to order prints?

We are in the process of testing popular photo sites and hope to offer this service in the future.

Features: Audio

What audio formats does the MSN® TV 2 Internet & Media Player support?

MSN TV 2 will support Windows Media® Player for TV (Windows Media versions 7, 8 and 9), Flash 6 and MP3 files.

Does MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player support over 64kb bit rate audio files?

Yes, it does.

Can a user plug in a memory card with audio content and play it on the MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player?

Yes, they can as long as it is one of the following supported formats: AIFF, AU, WAV, WMA and MP3.

Does MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player support Internet radio?

MSN TV 2 supports MSN Radio and other Web-based Internet radio stations (that are Windows Media-compatible) and that do not require a client download of software.

Features: Video

What video formats does MSN® TV 2 Internet & Media Player support?

MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player supports Windows Media® Player for TV (Windows Media versions 7, 8 and 9).

Does MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player provide support for MPEG video?

Unfortunately, MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player does not currently support MPEG video. However, we expect to update our support for this media format over time.

What version of Windows Media is supported in MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player?

MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player will provide a TV-optimized media player for audio and video playback that is compatible with Windows Media-encoded content.

Does MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player support DVD-quality video playback?

No, it does not.

What screen resolution does MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player support?

It supports VGA (800x600) and NTSC (520x400).

Troubleshooting Guide

Setting Up

If my television does not have a yellow video input jack:

Your television may have only an antenna input jack. You can still use the player, but you must use an RF modulator (not supplied).

If my television has only one audio input jack:

If your television has only one audio input jack, connect the white audio cable to the white audio "L" jack on the player and then to the audio input jack on your television. You will not use the red audio "R" jack on the player, or the red audio cable.

If some of the jacks on the player are not connected to anything:

You might not need all of the jacks on the player.

 

Connecting to the MSN® TV service

If the player displays the message “...cannot connect to the MSN TV service.”

Make sure the phone cord is connected securely to the phone jack on the player and to the telephone wall jack.

Although the phone line splitter (supplied) allows you to connect both a telephone and your player to one phone jack, you cannot talk on the phone and use your player at the same time. Make sure nobody is using a phone connected to the same line.

You may have moved your player to a new location (perhaps your office) where a dialing prefix is needed to get an outside line. Such a move will affect the way the player connects to the MSN TV service. Make sure your dialing options are set correctly, as described later in this section.

Make sure you have connected the red and white audio cables from the Audio Out jacks on the player to the Audio In jacks on your TV or VCR.

If the following message appears before you finish connecting: “You are about to dial ###-###-####, which might be a toll call”:

This indicates that there is no local access phone number in your area and long-distance toll charges may apply. In this case, it may save you money to use another Internet service provider (ISP) to connect to the MSN TV service. For more information on using an ISP, choose Account from the home page after you finish signing up.

If the player displays the message “Cannot connect”:

Make sure the phone cord is connected securely to the phone jack on the player and to the telephone wall jack as described in the setup steps in this guide.

Although the phone line splitter allows you to connect both a telephone and your player to one phone jack, you cannot talk on the phone and use your player at the same time. Make sure nobody is using a phone connected to the same line.

You may have moved your player to a new location (perhaps your office) where a dialing prefix is needed to get an outside line. Such a move would affect the way the player connects to the MSN TV service. Make sure your dialing options are set correctly, as described later in this section.

If a message continually says “Dialing MSN TV” or "The phone line seems to be in use or is disconnected.” Of, if you cannot hear a dial tone when the player calls the MSN TV service. Or, if the connection is slow:

Disconnect all other equipment from the phone line. The following items may prevent the player from connecting to the MSN TV service:

• Wireless phone jacks
• Caller ID units
• Cordless phones
• Answering machines
• Standard phones
• Poor-quality phone jacks
• Fax machines
• Alarm systems
• Voice mail
• PBX systems
• Faulty telephone company equipment
• Satellite systems
• Phone line splitters
• Excessively long phone cords (50 feet or longer)
• Phone line power spikes
• Bad weather, high humidity, storms
• Digital phone lines

Connect the player to another phone line, possibly at a neighbor’s house. If the player connects to the MSN TV service when you use a different phone line, ask your telephone company to check your phone line for excessive noise or static.

If your phone cord is more than 50 feet long, change your setup so you can use a shorter cord. A twisted-pair phone cord is available in some areas; these cords improve reception in some situations. Check with your retailer about the availability of a twisted-pair phone cord.

Check and clear your voice mail messages.

Check your dialing options. To access the dialing options, press the Home button on the remote control to go to the MSN TV home page. Choose Settings. Choose Dialing. Then, depending on your situation, adjust the following:

• Basic: Add a dialing prefix or select Pulse Dialing. You may need a prefix if you use an outside line.
• Call Waiting: Incoming calls or line noise may cause the player to disconnect. To avoid repeated disconnections, turn off Call Waiting, lower the sensitivity level, or turn on Block Calls. To turn off Call Waiting, you will enter a code in the Dialing options area. The disable code should be listed in your phone book. If it is not, contact your phone company.

If the Internet player disconnects when a call is not coming in, you have too much line noise. Lower the sensitivity level.

Use an ISP: Check this information with the instructions from your Internet service provider.

Advanced:

• Wait for dial tone. Choose this option if you need an outside line to make a call or if you have voice mail service.
• Change the dialing speed to Slow. Choose this option if the player is having trouble connecting to the MSN TV service.
• Audible dialing. Choose this option to hear the player connect to the MSN TV service. You should hear a dial tone, touch tones (as the number is dialed), and then modem noise. Note any messages that appear on the screen. This information will be helpful if you have to call for service.
• If you don’t hear a dial tone, there may be a problem with your phone jack or line. Test the player using a different phone line.
• If you hear the dial tone, touch tones and modem noise, but still can’t connect, remove all extra appliances from the phone line, then try again.
• If you don’t hear modem sounds, the player may not be dialing properly. Check the other dialing options, then try again.
• Reset: If you have mistakenly changed your dialing options, choose Reset to restore the player’s original settings.

Power problems

If the player has no power:

• Check to see if the green light on the front of the player is on. This light will illuminate when the player is on.
• You must turn on the player using the MSN TV and ON-OFF buttons on the remote control or the MSN TV button on the keyboard. There is no power button or switch on the player.
• Point your remote control or keyboard at the player and press MSN TV and ON-OFF on the remote control, or MSN TV on the keyboard. If the green light comes on, then your player has power.
• Make sure the power supply is connected securely to a power outlet and to the Power jack on the back of the player.

If the player disconnects and shuts itself off without notice:

• Replace the batteries in the remote control or the keyboard.
• Check the dialing options. Lower the sensitivity (see Dialing Options, Call Waiting). If you have voice mail, turn off the Wait for Dial Tone option (Dialing options, Advanced).
• Don’t connect the phone cord to a wireless phone jack.
• Disconnect other appliances from the phone line.
• Ask others not to pick up other extensions on the phone line. This will cause the player to disconnect.
• Don’t leave other phone extensions off the hook.

If the player shuts itself off during Internet browsing:

• Some Web sites may cause the player to disconnect. If it happens repeatedly at the same site, write down the address and give this information to an MSN TV customer representative at 1-866-GO-MSNTV (1-866-466-7688).

If the player power repeatedly turns off and on while trying to connect to the MSN TV service:

• Check for phone line problems. Unplug the player power cord, then reconnect. After the player starts up, choose Moved from the on-screen message that appears and try a different access phone number. If the problem continues, connect the player to a different phone line and try again.
• The connection rate may be too slow. The player will shut off, then automatically attempt to reconnect within 15 seconds. Remove other appliances from the phone, or ask the phone company to check your phone line.

If there is a sudden loss of power:

• Avoid overheating the player. Move the player away from the television or other heat sources. Allow space around the player for proper ventilation.
• Do not shake the player.
• Avoid power failures and disconnections. Power failures may occur if the player is connected to a power outlet controlled by a wall switch or to a power strip/surge protector.

 

Receiving updates

If the player is trying to download updated software from the MSN TV service:

The player downloads updated software via the phone line. Noise on your phone line may occasionally cause this process to fail. Turn the player off, then on, then try to update again; use a different phone line in your house if possible. If the update fails three or four times in a row, contact MSN TV customer service at 1-866-GO-MSNTV (1-866-466-7688).

 

Operating the remote control and keyboard

If the remote control or keyboard will not turn on or operate the player:

Make sure the batteries in your remote control or keyboard are inserted correctly. Install new batteries if necessary. Or, if you have both a remote control and a keyboard, try turning on the player.