Web TV technology allows you to use your TV, rather than a computer monitor, to access the Internet access. By purchasing a set-top box and using your existing telephone or cable lines, you can bring the Internet to your television screen. This technology made Internet access affordable for those people who did not already own a computer and a modem.

Web on TV, also known as Interactive TV, has built upon the concept of Web TV by integrating the Internet with your TV programming. It will transform the way that people view television, as it provides access to the channel’s enhanced web site from its standard broadcast channel.

Web on TV offers new entertainment and commerce opportunities, such as sports events with complementary information on players and teams, news with additional details and related stories, and commercials that allow consumers to order merchandise with the click of a button.

There are numerous providers in this arena, some of which use dial-up Internet access and remotes or wireless keyboards, while others use cable wiring and hardware. However, the goal is the same: to merge the Internet with the television. In addition to Web on TV, other advancements in the television market include advanced analog and digital broadcast systems, as well as interactive digital "video on demand" systems.

The Advanced Television Enhancement Forum (ATVEF) has defined protocols for TV programming that is enhanced with data, such as Internet content. The goal is to allow content creators to design enhanced programming that can be delivered over any form of transport (analog or digital TV, cable or satellite) to all types of broadcast receivers that comply with the proposed specifications. Major players in ATVEF are CableLabs, CNN News Group, DIRECTV, Discovery Communications, Walt Disney Company, NBC, PBS, Network Computer, Inc., Sony Corporation, Tribune Company, WARNER BROS., Intel.