Microsoft used the TechXNY conference spotlight to lift the curtains on the new MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player

Microsoft used the TechXNY conference spotlight to lift the curtains on the new MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player, branding the device a "complete overhaul and replacement" for the MSN TV Internet receiver. The software giant's MSN TV unit said the broadband device is expected to hit retail outlets by mid-October and will offer a home network device capable of shuttling premium MSN content, PC-stored digital media and e-mail to TV services. The MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player (formerly WebTV), is manufactured by Thomson under the RCA brand and comes with a wireless keyboard and remote control. It carries a retail price tag of of $199.95, plus subscription fees for MSN TV connectivity. The premium MSN TV service includes access to 200 commercial-free radio stations, a primary MSN e-mail account with 2 gigabytes of storage, 10 secondary e-mail accounts with 250 megabytes of storage and spam protection capabilities. Subscription options range from $9.95 monthly or $99.95 a year for users who connect through their own broadband service; or $21.95 monthly or $199.95 annually for dial-up users, Microsoft said.