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.
https://motherboard.vice.com/en_us/ar...

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

Short demonstration video    • Webtv 1999  
Other related video    • Getting Started with WebTV  

11:11 IR BLASTER POGGERS

Box pictures https://imgur.com/a/LPW02k0

Found at a local flea market.

I don't own any of this.