RCA/MSN TV 2 Internet and Media Player
Better than any PC to TV converter we tried
We purchased and returned the GrandTec GHV-2000 Hi-wire Multi-format VGA To HDtv Adapter, as well as the far superior AverKey 300 Gold by AverMedia. Both were just not really usable for searching the Internet on your TV. The text is just too hard to read. (It killed me to have to return AverKey, which would have definitely been a keeper, with better TV text readability.)<br /><br />We considered the TView Gold, by Focus, but didn't purchase it presuming its text on TV is likely poor like the other units. (Unlike the other units, it does require computer software. The packaging doesn't list that its compatible with Windows XP, which is the main reason we didn't give it a try. It does state that it works with Windows 2000 and Windows ME.)<br /><br />We have since given up on trying to use a PC to TV converter. As much as we didn't want to go the route of a subscription service, we bought the MSN TV 2 box, keyboard and remote instead. It's a nice unit that displays Internet text on the TV better.<br /><br />The MSN TV 2 setup easily auto-detected our Comcast broadband internet and Microsoft router, so we were up and running in a blink. (I made about 5 calls to MSN TV; nobody could confirm that my router was compatible. I was concerned because MS quit making it a few years ago. If that's your situation, rest assured that the router will work with it.)<br /><br />MSN TV 2 will also give you access to your computer photo files if you're networked, and some music and video content on your computer if it's in the right format for Windows Media Player (the only player that works with the unit). You can access these things even without being signed in to your MSN TV 2 service all the time.<br /><br />Unfortunately, even though you may be on a network, it doesn't allow you to do everything you could do from your computer; dang! Paying a monthly subscription, having limited computer access, and the fact that the PageBuilder web page builder is no longer included (was part of the earlier WebTV/MSNTV model), is really the only downside to going the way of the MSN TV 2.<br /><br />This has been a very frustrating experience to resolve. Our WebTV/MSN TV (predecessor to MSN TV 2) box died a month ago, and we had to make a decision about whether to continue to have the convenience of Internet on our TV, factoring in that MSN TV boxes are no longer being made. We'd hoped for complete computer/TV capability, which we have determined is not possible at this time.<br /><br />After a month to research, buy, test and return a number of products, we've concluded that MSN TV 2 is really the best option until someone manufacturer's full computer to TV capability with substantially enhanced Internet text readability.part of the earlier WebTV/MSNTV model), is really the only downside to going the way of the MSN TV 2. <br /> <br />This has been a very frustrating experience to resolve. Our WebTV/MSN TV (predecessor to MSN TV 2) box died a month ago, and we had to make a decision about whether to continue to have the convenience of Internet on our TV, factoring in that MSN TV boxes are no longer being made. We'd hoped for complete computer/TV capability, which we have determined is not possible at this time. <br /> <br />After a month to research, buy, test and return a number of products, we've concluded that MSN TV 2 is really the best option until someone manufacturer's full computer to TV capability with substantially enhanced Internet text readability.