KVH Industries Inc. is partnering with Microsoft to bring Microsoft’s MSN TV service -- including in-motion Web browsing, Windows Media Player, photo viewing, MSN Mail, MSN Video, MSN Radio, and MSN Messenger -– to consumers traveling in cars, trucks, RVs and boats throughout the United States.
KVH's Mobile Internet Receiver with MSN TV service, a customized version of Microsoft’s MSN TV 2 Internet & Media Player, will also provide two-way connections through broadband Evolution Data Optimized (EVDO) cellular services to provide high-speed Internet access (400 kb/s to 700kb/s typical) on screens that are already installed in cars and other vehicles.
KVH president and CEO Martin Kits van Heyningen said that more than 20 million automobiles are expected to be equipped with video screens by 2011. “These screens provide an excellent platform not only for live satellite TV and gaming, but also for an integrated Internet solution,” he said.
To enable the high-speed connection KVH is integrating an EVDO data modem into the Mobile Internet Receiver. It plans to leverage existing broadband data services from major cellular companies. EVDO service is available in more than 170 markets, but when EVDO is unavailable, the system will automatically switch to standard 1xRTT data service (50 kb/s to 80kb/s typical).