At the heart of the system are several advanced technologies that boost the delivery and enhance the display of web content so that it matches the audio and visual quality of television, while also providing practical features such as the ability to print. The system includes a 1.1 GB hard drive for local storage of multimedia content with full-motion video and symphonic sound. Viewers have immediate control and access without having to wait for downloads. The WebTV Plus Receiver speeds up the retrieval time of web pages through a Rockwell K56flex modem. This gives viewers access to Internet information at almost twice the speed of current V.34 connections over standard phone lines, which is especially useful for graphics-intensive Web pages, sound and video files.
Viewers also can print high-quality color output from web sites directly from their televisions.
Customers also will receive support for selected models of popular Canon printers later this year. WebTV Networks works closely with these companies to develop high-quality printing capabilities for WebTV NetworkTM customers. Both companies are providing 24-hour customer support for WebTV Network customers. WebPIP allows audiences to watch TV shows and explore related web content at the same time. Viewers also will experience dramatic 3D special-effects transitions with live video and graphics.