NetChannel - (AOL) - NetChannel users could use a set-top box to surf the Web on their TV. In May of 1998, AOL bought this “Web-enhanced television” service to incorporate into their Web TV undertaking called “AOLTV”.  AOL wanted to take advantage of the expected significant growth in interactive TV. AOL also wanted to compete with Microsoft which had recently bought WebTV.

NetChannel used to deliver personalized Internet and information services for television viewers. At one time they were Microsoft WebTV's chief competition.
  
NetChannel bundled Internet access in with a browser on a RCA set-top box. It could be viewed on a connected television or be integrated into a television set.  In May of 1997 they bought Viewcall America Inc. which offered ON-TV which was the same type of service. Their combined service was called simply "NetChannel."

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