Google TV

[apn]

Here we go again, as the content owners squabble over the rights...

(CNET) -- Google TV has the network television industry's attention.
Certain television shows on the Web sites of broadcast networks CBS and ABC are currently being blocked when Google TV users try to access those sites.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that NBC confirmed it was blocking streams to Google TV users, although CNET was able to view shows on NBC.com using Google TV. (CBS.com is published by CBS Interactive, which also publishes CNET.)

The decision to block the programs only seems to affect full-length episodes available on the Web sites of those companies, and it began in earnest this week, according to a source familiar with the situation.

More at: http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/gaming....ex.html?hpt=T2

The more I read, the more I'm thinking about taking a pass on acquiring the Revue or Sony equivalent.

[TorontoColin]

Well we won't see Google TV here until some time next year anyway. By then I'm sure the situation will have settled with content providers, and I'm also a little skeptical that most of our Canadian networks are with it enough to even attempt to block Google TV.

The more I think about it, what really excites me about Google TV is it's open source nature. My initial fear was that it wouldn't really be compatible with my HTPC setup, and I continue to think it will have issues. But the beauty of it is, there will be amateur users out there working to fix it.

There are three primary functions of an HTPC with regard to TV. The first is playback of recorded TV, which is really easy as long as Google TV supports the recorded TV format your HTPC uses. As long as it can see files and can read the information tagged in them, it can search and playback your recorded TV.

The second is recording TV. This is a little trickier. It will require someone to open up the API for the HTPC software and set up remote recording. The hardest part will probably be setting up your Google TV to recognize a guide containing a mix of sources and tuners.

The third part is live TV playback. This can easily be accomplished with HDMI passthrough and IR blasters, even with extenders.

While it would be nice to see Google do all this for us, that seems unlikely, particularly the second function. However, I have faith in the open source community that they can do this, if they want to. Sadly, all of it seems much more likely on Sage or Myth than Media Center, which I use.

[budwha]

I was wondering if I bought Google TV in the USA now.......just to use whatever features are available in Canada......when it does become available will it just be a firmware update or would I be shooting myself in the foot........I can't wait to get my hands on one

[jschall]

Does anyone know if and when Google TV/Logitech Revue will be available in Canada?

[Wayne]

I am not sure the Logitech is continuing to make this hardware since they lost a boatload of money on this.

[Coop]

Yup discontinued.

[jschall]

OK, thanks, I didn't know that. So, what other options are there for Google TV in Canada? Has anybody tried the Sony Blu-Ray/Media Player?

[audacity]

At this point I'd recommend taking a step back and waiting for Google to come out with a solid "2.0" product. If you could have gotten in on the fire sale when all the Revue units were liquidated I could understand wanting one for $99.

Sure, you could get something off eBay, but I'd recommend taking a "wait-and-see" approach. Perhaps we'll see some next-gen hardware this year.

[cafebrad]

theres the new mk802 mini pc, android 4.0 on your tv. 75 bucks.
try the google button

[jschall]

That's an interesting gadget, @cafebrad, if I just wanted an Android HTPC.
http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/07/m...n-impressions/
but it's not Google TV.

Maybe the Honeywld Power Zest could be the next Google TV box:

http://www.theverge.com/2012/6/6/306...d-tablet-phone

But has anybody tried the Sony NSZ-GT1 box?

[jschall]

This will be Sony's 2012 entry:
http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/17/S...pre-order-j-r/

[Veee]

That's pretty tempting for less than $80. However, why does the software look like Gingerbread rather than ICS?

[TorontoColin]

That's definitely ICS.

There will likely be a bunch of new Google TV devices announced at Google I/O this year.

[jschall]

http://blogs.vancouversun.com/2012/0...mes-to-canada/

[Veee]

How does the Sony Google unit integrate with your cable/satellite box? Does it control it in any way. For example, can you search Google TV for a program and select it to play through the cable box? Can you schedule recordings with it? The Sony website doesn't explain any of this.