The main concerns that were raised related to
AOLTV, AOL's ITV product.
The Internet terminal category includes cordless Web tablets and corded terminals, while TV-based IAs consist of set-top box products, including Microsoft WebTV and
AOLTV. "While the introduction of the
AOLTV box will invigorate that sector, sales of Internet terminals are expected to surpass those of TV-based LAs in 2001," says Brian O'Rourke, Senior analyst with In-Stat's Multimedia Service.
THE MARKET: "All told, there's probably about 10 million homes today that have some level of interactivity," said Knudson, highlighting the customers of digital cable, WebTV,
AOLTV, and similar services.
NEW YORK AOL Time Warner is making a major commitment to its fledgling
AOLTV interactive business by shifting Bob Friedman from his dual posts as co-chairman of worldwide theatrical marketing for New Line Cinema and prexy of New Line TV to the new position of president of
AOLTV.
The company said Schuler and Oglethorpe will share management responsibilities, with Schuler overseeing such the online service and such efforts as
AOLTV and AOL Mobile, AOL Moviefone and MapQuest, and the company's instant messaging applications.
Under the multiyear agreement, New York-based Citigroup and America Online will build new payment and money-transfer features across AOL, AOL.com, CompuServe, Netscape, Netcenter,
AOLTV and Digital City, and AOL Instant Messenger.