America Online, Inc. (NYSE: AOL) Monday took to the air waives with the launch its interactive television services for the masses, dubbed AOLTV. Subscribers can watch television using their existing broadcast signals and choose from a variety of popular AOL features including e-mail, instant messaging, chat and a built-in programming guide. The service is connected through a set-top box and comes with a wireless keyboard or universal remote control.

The launch of AOLTV is the latest jewel in the company's "AOL Anywhere" marketing crown. In addition to AOL's wireless initiatives, the service provider is intent on bringing one of its branded Internet services to online consumers anywhere, anytime through a range of wired and wireless devices.

The service will first be offered in selected markets including Phoenix, Ariz., Sacramento, Calif. and Baltimore, Md. AOLTV will then be rolled out to AOL's 23 million members nationwide.

AOLTV initially will be available through a set-top box from Philips Electronics Inc. , and will be sold at Circuit City Stores Inc. locations before the summer is through. In addition to traditional bricks-and-mortar sales, AOL will sell the set-top box at its AOLTV portal on the Web.

Basic AOLTV service costs $14.95 per month and can be added to AOL members existing bills for Internet services that cost members $25 a month. Set-top box pricing not been confirmed.

Bob Pittman, AOL president and chief operating officer, said AOLTV adds new and exciting dimensions to an activity most people do for several hours a day.

"AOLTV makes the TV experience even more valuable and creates an incredible opportunity for television programmers to reach audiences in creative and powerful new ways," Pittman said. We look forward to working with many partners just as we have on the AOL service to make this a win-win for consumers and those in the television industry."

AOL teamed up with a variety of broadcasting companies to provide content for AOLTV. Deals with E! Entertainment Television, Oxygen Media, Starz Encore Group, and others comprise the current core of AOLTV content.

LATEST NEWS

Microsoft's Dynamics ERP to Gain New Services
Barnes & Noble's e-Reader Nook Sold Out Already
Memory Market Due for Big Shift in 2010
Microsoft: No 'Back Door' in Windows 7
Tech's H-1B Hiring Faces 'Employ America Act'

Barry Schuler, AOL president of interactive services, said AOLTV makes it easy for American's to combine two passions, watching television and the Web.

"Our members tell us they are online and watching TV together more and more," Schuler said. "AOLTV will make it easier for them to combine these two important activities into one, even more rewarding experience."

(Patricia Fusco is a reporter for internetnews.com)