Here you will find Frequently Asked Questions related to WebTV.
Why can't WebTV do things a computer can do?
Since computers have a lot more memory than both the Plus and the Classic and have a hard drive, there are going to be a lot of things that the computer can handle that WebTV won't be able to. WebTV was made to surf the net on TV, not to go head to head with internet PCs. The upgrades we get are really a bonus so we don't get left behind in the dust.
Why can't WebTV talk about upgrades?
There is a good reason for that. WebTV does not discuss upcoming upgrades because things could change at the very last minute. There is a lot of planing that goes into upgrades and a last minute bug could take out that feature WebTV promised everyone if they talked about it. If WebTV did tell us what will be in upcoming upgrades, there would be chaos. That is because if they say we are getting things and give us a release date, and something goes wrong, people would blame WebTV. The only safe way is to not discuss it at all.
What is OpenISP and how can I use it?
OpenISP is a service set up by WebTV so people that already have a ISP would save money. If you already have a ISP for your PC, contact them and ask them if they support PPP or PAP format. If they say yes you can use it on WebTV. Just go to "Setup", then "dialing options", and then "Using your ISP". Now just fill in your ISP name, your username, password, dialing number, and a backup number if you have one. Then hit done. Now you will be using your ISP on WebTV. This has some advantages and disadvantages. It will only cost $9.95 a month for WebTV plus what ever the fee is for your ISP a month, so you save $10. There is a downside though. Your ISP will handle all of your connection questions so you won't be able to call WebTV if you have a connection problem. Also you won't be able to see the videoflash ads while using OpenISP.
What is Club WebTV?
Club WebTV is a monthly newsletter made by WebTV that contains information about the service, useful links, and other information. Comes out the first of every month. To check it out, Click here.
Can WebTV view email attachments?
Yes it can. WebTV can view most email attachments like text files, html files, mpegs, and pictures.
When does WebTV release upgrades?
WebTV releases upgrades every few months. WebTV has been releasing them about every 3 months since last year.
What is Chat (IRC)?
Chat is a IRC for WebTV. Click on "Community" on the sidebar of the "Home" page. Then click on "Chat". This will bring you to the main Chat page. From here you can go to TalkCity or go to another IRC server by clicking "Goto" on the sidebar. Once you find a room you can start chattting. The messages scroll automaticly so there is no need to hit a refresh button. I will have a lot more infomation about this in the IRC section of the MISC page coming soon.
Can WebTV get a virus?
WebTV cannot get a virus. Since WebTV doesn't have a hard drive and uses special software, WebTV cannot get a virus.
What is WebTV Plus?
WebTV Plus is a next generation WebTV terminal. It features Picture and picture for ANY TV, Cable hookup so you can watch TV and go on the net at the same time, VidModem (will be used to get local information through cable lines, like TV Guide listings, around town information, and other things), K56Flex modem (current WebTV has 33.6, K56Flex can handle downloads at 56Kps but current regulations only permit 53Kps. Also other factors like faulty phone lines or line noise can reduce speed), 8MB RAM (current WebTV has 2MB), built-in printer adaptor, 1.08GB hard drive (you cannot store information yourself, WebTV has control over it), among others. The Mitsubishi is out now for $379 with keyboard and Sony and PhillipsMagnavox will release theirs after christmas of 97 for $299 without keyboard.
If I am already on the Classic and want to switch to the Plus can I transfer my information to the Plus?
Yes you can. When you hook up the Plus a screen will come up asking you if you want to transfer the data. When you do so all your information (billing, saved email, favorites, email handles, etc) will be transfered from the Classic to the Plus and you will no longer be able to use the Classic unless you sign up for another account.
Can you use the Classic wireless keyboard on the Plus?
Yes, the only thing that the Plus keyboard offers is buttons that control the TV funtions like View (changes between tv home and web home), channel up and down, voulume, and power button for the TV. Everything else is the same.
