IM on WebTV

I don't have WebTV per se, and I'm not that familiar with it. However, I do have an UltimateTV PVR/Satellite Receiver, which has WebTV as a feature (which, frankly, I've never used). Out of curiosity, I just went and connected through it, and searched all over without finding any way to implement any sort of chat or messaging client. I don't think WebTV supports Messenging, but I could be wrong. I know I couldn't figure out how to do it, whether or not its supported.

I've heard WebTV described as something which allows a user to VIEW the Internet, as opposed to a computer, which allows one to PARTICIPATE in the Internet. I've also heard AOL described in much the same way.



timber

WebTV is a pretty dumb client, but it does allow you to send/receive e-mail, and surf and manipulate websites such as A2K, plus you can even receive and print images. But it's not a PC by any stretch.

IM over WebTV may be impossible, but, as I noted before, when a WebTV user logs on, since it is part of MSN, the little avatar turns from red to green so I know the person is online.

I know that there have been Web TV IM programs but as you said it's pretty dumb.

When I design sites I give only minimal attention to webtv functionality.

I recently had the opportunity to fiddle around with my Dad's WebTV box. In the address book, it shows you if people are online or not, much like WM does, but I was unable to find any other IM functionality.

Hmm. I've never used WebTV but I just looked on the Web and I found a refernce that MSN Messenger was a part of the "WebTV Plus v2.5 Client" released in the summer of 2000.

I wasn't even aware that WebTV is now MSNTV but.. MSNTV does show the MSN Messager app on the MSNTV page as a part of the program..

http://resourcecenter.msn.com/access/MSNTV/MSNTV_Services.asp

We just got it working!!! WebTV must have upgraded his set top box because it didn't work before.