Television is at the beginning of a dramatic change. TV is becoming more useful and fun. Users, armed with either a remote control or a keyboard, will be able to send instant messages to an online buddy, for example, while watching Ally McBeal . A subscriber's Buddy List could remain in the corner of the screen, alerting viewers when friends log on. Many of AOL's functions will be translucently superimposed on the TV display.
Web surfers can remove the TV image entirely if they choose.
If you're watching CNN and hear about a company and want to buy stock, you can execute a trade. One-fourth of AOL members combine TV viewing with their online activity, he says. Eventually, Thomson plans to market products that offer digital recording for satellite and digital broadcast signals. Personal video recorders are expected to catch on this year.