Getting started with WebTV [1998]

Getting started with WebTV
Instructional video
1998
The lightest, cheapest, shittiest VHS ever

One of Microsoft's less talked about and ultimately flawed ventures, this thin client and online service combo introduced many people to the wonders of the internet back in the late-90s and early-2000s while still offering them a wide variety of televsion channels. Short and sweet, the host couple explain basic information about the system, including how to operate the box, set up the client to record an upcoming program to VHS, and have a picture-in-picture TV channel playing while surfing the internet.

Originally developed by WebTV Networks, the innovative service, targeted at baby boomers wary of the internet, was bought out by Microsoft in 1997 and only ever saw modest success. Unfortunately, the internet isn't meant to be viewed on a screen from 10 feet away, and although upgrades to GUI functionality and readability were made over the years, the real issue of a slow-loading webpage that wasn't designed for viewing on a TV in the first place was one of WebTV's greatest downfalls. A small but dedicated userbase continued to use the service, rebranded as MSN TV, until its discontinuation in 2013.

And no, the title is capitalized correctly. Microsoft put it that way on their box AND tape :3

11:11 IR BLASTER POGGERS

Found at a local flea market.

I don't own any of this.

[LucidOne]

this was my first experience online back in the day, so nostalgic!

[JetSetTyler]

This was more futuristic than PCs were at the time. Integrating multimedias together. I’m proud my late dad bought one of these back in Best Buy back in 98. He would have loved how far tech has come in 2021.

[Silvergun_Raven]

I remember romanticizing (not sure if that's the right word to be using here lol) back in 1998 when I still didn't have a PC and thinking how amazing this concept was, but never did get WebTV as I got a Gateway PC in 1999 with AOL.

[psychic_digit]

thank you for uploading this, i found a webtv thing in my dads garage and i had no clue what it was until this video

[lyric]

I have a weird request. I had WebTV in the 90's and for awhile when I logged in, an ad came on featuring cartoonist Scott Adams. I forgot exactly what he said but it was something about having worked for a faceless company who drained the lifeblood out of him. He worked for Pacific Telephone (AT&T) and so did I. The little talk he gave fit my opinion of them to a T. Have been trying to find that verbiage since then. I even email Scott, but he didn't remember the words. Anyone heard this audio on the internet of know the words?

[americanfreedomlogistics]

i had one of these. i spent so much time on talk city i saved money by not going out clubbing

[Disneyfan]

I can remember driving by there headquarters in Palo Alto California on my way to my shop Movie Memories poster shop I did stop one time to see what it was like I did not like the idea that you had to pay a monthly fee, I really liked how cool this couple was People in Palo Alto were just like them lol 😂

[TrickyChi]

I miss webtv it needs to come back more updated to today's needs

[williamworley]

That's one way to ruin a surprise!

[mwb]

I did not know Expedia was that old. Wow.

[zebonautsmith]

so much potential; and they let it die.

[RavenousFallen]

Because of WebTV, even today my dad uses PC hooked up to living room TV with keyboard, mouse near sofa. Never have to buy a display 😅

[chriscma]

If not sold out to Microsoft and R&D had continued, WebTV could be a player to this day.

[cyradus]

I wonder if they knew back then that the internet would go on to be about 80% porn and fetish sites...lol

[jerryczech]

I use to buy it at Walmart and return after 3 months and get new email adress 🙂

[Generic]

Doesn't work, I installed Windows 98 and WebTV just gives me errors

[ICPSBJ]

HAHA this was my first experience with the internet in my place in 98'. My mom had bought her 1st PC that year and I was going over there a lot so I bought this while I built my 1st PC buying parts when I could afford them.

WOW, how times have changed with the internet over the years.

[angelapaz]

August 31st 2022 19:21 miltarybtome ❤️😍🥰😘👅💅🏼