MSN expands national TV service

Microsoft has entered into new relationships with leading consumer electronics retailers to increase the availability of MSN TV service to more than 1,500 locations nationwide.

MSN TV service is available through the RCA RM2100 Internet Receiver, which includes a wireless keyboard and remote control for $99* (manufacturer’s suggested retail price). The expanded retailavailability of the receiver will help meet increased consumer demand nationally and in select markets. The product has been available nationally since 2001 at Best Buy and Circuit City.

The MSN TV Internet receiver is now available at CompUSA stores across North America and Fry’s Electronics, a consumer electronics specialty store in the western United States. It also is available at retailers in key markets, including RCS Computer Experience and J&R Music & ComputerWorld in the New York metro area, BrandsMart U.S.A. in Florida, and Abt Electronics in the Chicago metro area. In addition, the MSN TV Internet receiver is available via Amazon.com.

“Our marketing efforts targeting Internet newcomers looking for an easy-to-use and affordable way to enjoy the benefits of the Web and e-mail are generating increased consumer demand,” said Sam Klepper, general manager, MSN TV. “We have carefully selected these new retailers to give interested consumers a wide choice of retail outlets where they can purchase an MSN TV Internet receiver.”

MSN TV is supporting this increased distribution with marketing campaigns designed to target older Americans and other Internet newcomers. MSN TV recently launched campaigns with television spots on national cable, print ads, radio ads and direct mail pieces. The advertisements are targeted to both older Americans and their adult children who purchase MSN TV Internet receivers as gifts.

“MSN TV is an incredible value. It offers consumers Internet and e-mail service through a device located in almost every American home: the television set,” said John Keating, senior buyer, Amazon.com. “MSN TV is a great addition to the wide selection of products available to consumers via our electronics store.”

“MSN TV is the perfect product for our customers to give as gifts to family members who may be uncomfortable with technology but want to use the Internet and stay in touch via e-mail or instant messaging,” said Tony Weiss, executive vice president, general merchandise manager, CompUSA. “MSN TV offers a fun, enjoyable Internet and e-mail experience, and we’re pleased to be offering it to our customers.”

Additional information about MSN TV Internet receiver retailers is available at the following sites:

• CompUSA, http://www.compusa.com/
• Fry’s Electronics, http://www.frys.com/
• RCS Computer Experience, http://www.rcsnet.com/
• J&R Music & ComputerWorld, http://www.jandr.com/
• Amazon.com, http://www.amazon.com/
• BrandsMart U.S.A., http://www.brandsmartusa.com/
• Abt Electronics, http://www.abtelectronics.com/
• Best Buy, http://www.bestbuy.com/
• Circuit City, http://www.circuitcity.com/