My CES 2000 Adventure
By David R Beatson (January 16, 2000)
Well now that the Consumer Electronics Show 2000 (CES 2000) is over I can finally get some sleep. I am very tired after lugging around the 25 pound bag full of brochures I got at the show.
I saw a lot of products; in particular a number of set-top boxes and flat screen TV's. Some of the more interesting demos were on Open TV, Dishplayer 500, Replay TV, Tivo, Planet Web, Web Surfer Pro and MP3 gear.
Open TV was one of the coolest things there. I was very impressed with the system and its well designed interface. If you are a Dish Network consumer I've got some good news. In April they will be launching their free service on the model 3822 receivers which will include an updated EPG that is similar in look and feel to the WebTV EPG, including the Picture in Picture (PIP) feature. The Open TV platform includes local weather, news and a choice of camera angles on major sporting events.
AOL was there, showing off their AOL-TV boxes, which includes features like Instant Messaging, Chat and e-mail. This product also has a nicely designed User Interface. Don't hold your breath just yet - It won't be available for another 6 to 8 months. The monthly cost is expected to be around $24.95 for the top Service Plan, which seems to be a fairly standard rate.
Planet Web was there with their new product, an integrated DVD and set-top box. They mentioned that they where in the process of signing a contract with a company on the Internet and that they hoped to have product in the stores in about 6 months.
Dish Network showed off a DVD Satellite Receiver (WebTV are you listening?). I saved the best for last: the Dishplayer. Everyone was showing them off, including WebTV, Dish Network, and JVC.
Yes, WebTV was at the show. Half of the Microsoft booth was for WebTV. They did a lot of Interactive TV demos. Nothing really new on the horizon except rumors about a possible smart card so you can take your account with you to another WebTV box. But it was only a rumor. If it happens it is still a year away.
There was so much to see at CES I would have to write a book to tell you all about it. I hope I get the opportunity to go back next year. Las Vegas is a fun city - LOL!
Click here to go to Net4TV Voice and view the original publishing of this article.
