REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 12, 2002 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that MSN®
TV service, the easy and affordable way to access the Internet on a television, today launched another convenient service in time for the holiday shopping season. The new Web site, http://www.msntv.com/gift/ , allows consumers to purchase gift certificates for MSN TV service.
Gift certificates for MSN TV service are available in denominations of $75, $150, $200 and $275 and can be customized with a brief personal message. The gift certificate can be mailed directly to the recipient or to the purchaser. It comes with easy, step-by-step instructions on how to redeem it for service.
“During the busy holidays, consumers want options that help make gift-giving easier,”
said John Nicol, general manager of MSN TV Services at Microsoft Corp.
“It’s never been easier for consumers to stay connected with their loved ones by giving the gift of MSN TV service through this convenient Web site.”
MSN TV Keeps Consumers Connected
MSN TV is an easy and affordable way for family and friends to send and receive e-mail and log on to the Internet. MSN TV allows consumers to send and receive e-mail, exchange instant messages with friends, build Web pages, and do much more from the comfort of their own living room. To activate their MSN TV service, consumers need only an MSN TV Internet receiver, a telephone line and a television set. No additional hardware or software is required.
The MSN TV Internet receiver from RCA, available at Best Buy Company Inc. and Circuit City Stores Inc. for $99 MSRP*, combined with a gift certificate for service, is a great present for anyone.
-
Parents. Getting Mom and Dad connected to the Internet for the first time enables them to search for answers to their medical questions, check for local movie times or shop online.
-
Grandparents. Grandma and Grandpa will surely appreciate MSN TV service the first time they see a photo of their new grandchild on their television.
-
Families. The whole family can plan their vacation together, compare automobiles or build the family Web site. MSN TV service is also a great alternative for families that want an affordable and less complex secondary Internet access device.
Gift Certificate Conditions and Guidelines
The following conditions and guidelines apply to MSN TV gift certificates:
-
MSN TV service gift certificates can only be redeemed for monthly MSN TV service fees. They cannot be used to purchase MSN TV Internet receivers.
-
Gift certificates are not redeemable for cash.
-
Unused gift certificates expire two years from the date of issue included on the gift certificate. This expiration policy does not apply in California or where prohibited by law.
-
MSN TV service will not be responsible for lost or stolen gift certificates.
-
Monthly MSN TV service fees that exceed the value of the MSN TV service gift certificate will be charged to the MSN TV service subscriber’s credit card.
-
To redeem a gift certificate for MSN TV service, the recipient must have an MSN TV Internet receiver or WebTV®
Internet receiver.
About MSN TV Service
Based in Mountain View, Calif., MSN TV service is a product group within Microsoft’s MSN division that makes use of everyday technology to help people of all ages and abilities get connected and stay connected to the people around them. By connecting to a television and existing phone line, MSN TV service subscribers can surf the Web, send and receive e-mail, chat, and create instant messages using world-class MSN services such as MSN Messenger Service and MSN Search.
Formerly WebTV, MSN TV service was acquired by Microsoft in 1997 and renamed in July 2001 to better reflect the natural synergies between the WebTV service and the vast array of Microsoft®
and MSN resources. In June 2002, MSN TV unveiled a new Internet receiver and pricing plans. More information on MSN TV and the new MSN TV service gift certificate program can be found at http://www.msntv.com/ .
About MSN
MSN has 9 million subscriptions and attracts more than 300 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 34 markets and 18 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering Web services to consumers and digital marketing solutions to businesses worldwide. The most useful and innovative online service today, MSN brings consumers everything they need from the Web to make the most of their time online. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com/ . MSN worldwide sites are located at http://www.msn.com/worldwide.ashx .
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
* Requires the user to own or purchase an MSN TV Internet receiver ($99 MSRP) or WebTV Receiver, a monthly subscription to the MSN TV service, and acceptance of the terms of service upon registration. MSN TV services are available as a local call in most areas. In some areas, long-distance telephone toll charges may apply. To check local access for MSN TV service, customers should call (800) 469-3288.
Microsoft, MSN and WebTV are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.asp .
