When I first saw it, I thought the new MSN-TV receiver would have been a "Plus" type and that the Classic was being phased out in favor of the better unit. Now it looks like just the opposite is the case. We have to consider that MSN doesn't make any money off of the sale of receivers by the manufacturers, in fact MSN subsidizes their sales just to get people on their service, that's why manufacturers can offer the MSN-TV receiver for just $99.00. The Classic receiver uses a smaller memory and limited browser version and costs about half of what the Plus costs, therefor their subsidies to the manufacturers is less with the cheaper receiver. With the smaller browser and the cheaper box, MSN hopes to lure more customers onto their service where they make their money on monthly subscription fees. It has been posted elsewhere that in June 2002, Microsoft ordered manufacturers to stop making the "Plus" terminal. Conflicting reports claim that it was the manufactures halted production fearing the demise of the MSN-TV system.

There is currently no new "Plus" receivers on the market that will support the latest browser upgrades and the older terminals don't work well with the new browser versions. The only "Plus" units available now are refurbished Philips MAT976 receivers which have been upgraded with 16 Megs of RAM to accept the latest browser versions. How long will these be available? What are we going to do when they run out and we need to replace our receivers? Does MSN expect us to downgrade to the "Classic" model they are offering now and lose the "Plus" features we are now enjoying?

In 1999, MSN authorized RCA to manufacture the RCA RW-2110 "WebTV Plus" receiver. It was an excellent receiver and still performs well with the latest 2.7 browser but few of them got onto the market. MSN then renamed the service to MSN-TV and production of this fine unit was cancelled and replaced with the RCA RM-2100 "MSN-TV" receiver which MSN has been since promoting in their tv ads. There is no longer a Webtv "Plus" or "Classic", only the MSN-TV receiver, which is similar to the WebTV "Classic" with only 8 Megs of RAM. It stands to reason that in a short time, the "Plus" service will also be phased out if new units arn't put into production.

If a "Plus" version of the MSN-TV receiver is not put into production soon, then we all will loose those features when the time comes that we need to replace our terminals. That time has already come for many and their only choice now is the Philips MAT976 refurbished units. I believe it's time for MSN to hear from their subscribers again. It's not that we want interactive tv nonsense, but we don't want to loose our 16 Meg memories, tv listings, Picture In Picture, the ability to upload photos and sound, [Instant Messenger AND Mpeg] support, and the other "Plus" features that we have come to depend on.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

MSN says they listen to their customers and try to give us what we want in our MSN-TV service. Let's put this to a test which will effect the future of all of us Plus users, and see if they stand behind what they say. Below is a link you can use to write to the key people at MSN-TV who can make and change policy in the organization. If you value your "Plus" receiver and service, then use the link to voice your opinion. I believe if enough of us are heard, we can save the "Plus" receiver and service.

Another, and just as important thing you can do is click the link below for the "Feature Request" and send in your request. This action was suggested by Dennis Reno when he actually did reply to one users email.