The Inside Story of Interactive TV and Microsoft Webtv for Windows

Although the subject matter is handled without repetition, hesitation, or deviation, the book reads more like a collection of feature-length articles than a fully integrated book. This approach works well, since the authors' enthusiasm is maintained throughout. (The book includes various notables from Microsoft and its partner, NBC, and producers involved with the production of material for "enhanced" TV.) Helpful diagrams and screen shots complement the text. In the first chapter, Larry Namer, president of Comspan Communications, gives an excellent but meandering overview of WebTV's background and aims. Three case studies show how new technologies available to programmers help them enhance their content.

WebTV made its start in the U.S., but with limited success. One criticism that could be leveled against this title is that it is somewhat overawed by WebTV's potential and slow to recognize the very serious problems that stand in the way of its development. It also lacks an international perspective and doesn't address issues involved with European, Asian, or U.K.-based implementations of WebTV. Still, this book does give the "inside story" and is an excellent overview of U.S.-based enhanced and interactive TV. --Josh Smith, amazon.co.uk