MSU Transforms TVs into PCs

By Michael Foley
iApplianceWeb
(08/28/01, 09:28:49 AM EDT)

MSU Devices' V5 is a set-top box that brings PC functionality to TVs. The V5 acts as an Internet access device, an Internet appliance, or as a thin client with server-based computing applications.

The MSU Devices V5 Internet access device is powered by a National Semiconductor Geode processor and displays World Wide Web data on television sets, standard PC computer monitors, and flat panel LCDs. MSU Devices' V5 utilizes the Microsoft WindowsCE operating system and Internet Explorer 4.0, and features software applications including Pocket Word and readers for viewing spreadsheets and PDF files. Multimedia capabilities include Windows Media Player, Macromedia Flash, and support for Java using Insignia Solutions' Jeode Java virtual machine technology.

MSU Devices' V5 comes equipped with an infrared keyboard or a standard wired keyboard/mouse attached through standard PS/2 connectors. Access to the Internet is through either a 56K modem or via standard Ethernet. Ethernet also allows a user to connect to the Internet using a broadband DSL or cable modem. MSU Devices' V5 is also equipped with two USB ports, a smart card interface, a PCMCIA interface, and an expansion bus connector.

The product will be available in the fourth calendar quarter 2001. Pricing is expected to be below $200 for the unit in volume shipments.

Link:
MSU Devices, Inc.