Microsoft takes another stab at the ailing Web TV market with the release of MSN TV 2 Internet and Media Player. MSN TV 2 runs a new version of the MSN TV service that enables broadband users to enjoy Windows Media-compatible music, video and photos on their televisions from the Web or shared from files on their networked PCs. The service includes access to 200 commercial-free radio stations, a primary MSN e-mail account with 2 GB of storage, 10 secondary e-mail accounts with 250 MB of storage.

The MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player features include Intel 733 MHz Celeron chip set, 128 MB of RAM and 64 MB of flash memory, Windows CE operating system, an Ethernet port and two USB ports for accessories such as digital media card readers, wireless network adapters and printers and 56Kbps phone modem, so current MSN TV dial-up users can upgrade to the more powerful system.

MSN TV 2 is available nationwide at major consumer electronic retailers including Best Buy, Circuit City Stores Inc. and CompUSA, as well as online through Amazon.com and Microsoft.com. MSN TV offers subscription packages required to receive MSN TV service ranging from $9.95 monthly or $99.95 annually for users who connect through their own broadband service to $21.95 monthly or $199.95 annually for dial-up users.

- Seen at NYTIMES