Google creates website templates for Google TV

The Google TV team published a couple of new design templates, as well as a still-in-beta Web UI library that Web designers can use to optimize their sites for Google TV.

Blockage of such "less-than-ideal" sites could actually have been what caused Google TV to have such a disappointing launch in the first place.

Within the first month of the service's availability on the Logitech Revue set top box, ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and Viacom all made their websites unavailable to Google TV. The idea was that this would limit users' access to only the sites that the content providers designed specifically for Google TV.

If you're a Web designer, you now have some easy tools to rebuild your video site with a pre-made "10-foot UI" for Google TV. All of the templates are open sourced under the Apache 2 license, and they support sites that utilize HTML5, JavaScript, CSS and Flash.

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DISH Network's Google TV Offering - Get Ready to Pay a $4 per month "DVR Integration Fee"

From Videonet, DISH is charging $4 per month for a ‘DVR Integration Fee’. That effectively pays for the pairing protocol that enables a Google TV search that simultaneously covers content on the satellite DVR, DISH Network VOD and the Internet. Consumers can also schedule recordings and buy on-demand movies directly from the search bar.

Any DISH Network customer buying a Logitech Revue (effectively a Google TV set-top box) or Sony Internet TV powered by Google TV from retail outlets can take advantage of the DVR integration (with the $4 fee). However, the satellite operator is offering the Logitech Revue to its subscribers directly for $179, a significant discount on the quoted $299 recommended retail price. The new package will work with DISH Network ViP series HD DVRs including the ViP 622, ViP 722 and ViP 722k.

Speaking of the Logitech Revue, I had a Geek Squad installer come on Saturday to fully configure the Logitech Revenue product. As I had mentioned in a previous post, I think that installation issues are going to be a significant challenge for these so-called "smart-TV adapters," particularly those of us who already have an AV receiver and are trying to route the Google TV's audio through the existing home theater/surround sound speakers. The Geek Squad installer requested a fiber-optic cable upon his arrival, and fortunately there were some leftovers from the 2008 full installation of the HDTV and home theater system. He tinkered with set-up for about 45 minutes, and even managed to connect the camera for the Logitech Vid videoconferencing system. The one drawback to this videoconferencing solution is that it is currently not compatible with Skype, which my family already uses for video chatting. I'm hoping that they overcome this hurdle.

Once properly connected, I did see much greater utility out of the whole Google TV experience, and had fun pulling up some YouTube videos and using the picture-in-picture feature to simultaneously watch an NFL game yesterday while tracking my fantasy football team. I'm not sure how pleased my wife was, however!

Another nice find was ESPN3's availability, one of few major networks that has not blocked playback. The U.S. women were playing on Friday, attempting to qualify for the World Cup. The only place to watch the game live was ESPN3. The game pulled up pretty easily, and the quality was pretty good.

The best feature so far, however, has got to be the ability to play my favorite Internet radio station on the whole-home speakers. This has been something I have been trying to accomplish for years with different media adapters, etc. That was a really pleasant feature.

So, Google TV does have some nice capabilities, but I have not recommended it to people who have asked because of 1) the installation challenges; and 2) the current problems that Google is having convincing the broadcast networks NOT to block access to streaming TV shows and other content. Because of this, the Web-surfing-on-TV features are definitely "geek chic," but they are not mainstream applications for the regular Joe who is looking to enhance his/her television viewing experience.

More consumer electronics/digital rights management/adaptive streaming announcements

This past week exemplified the move that companies traditionally in the digital rights management space are making in connected consumer electronics. I have talked about this trend in several posts this year. Here are the announcements:

Widevine and Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation selected Widevine as its preferred provider of video optimization and digital rights management (DRM) solutions. Widevine’s video optimization will provide adaptive streaming and virtual DVD experiences, while its DRM will keep content protected on Panasonic consumer electronics such as Viera® connected TVs, Blu-ray disc players and more.

As a preferred provider, Widevine’s client will be included on millions of Panasonic connected media devices, enabling content providers to securely deliver content utilizing Internet protocols to the Panasonic device of the consumer’s choice. Widevine’s client will be initially installed on Panasonic Viera connected TVs, followed by other Panasonic devices in the near future.

Irdeto and Logitech

Irdeto announced announced on Wednesday that its technology has been selected to enable access to premium online content from the Logitech Revue™ with Google TV™. Based on the Google TV platform, Logitech Revue offers – in an integrated user interface – TV programming, the Web and Android-based apps that can deliver premium content services and enable entirely new experiences. Logitech is drawing on Irdeto’s technology to deliver premium content services through apps such as Netflix Watch Instantly.

DISH Network is now offering Google TV

DISH Network announced on Wednesday that it is offering its Google TV product to $179. With a Logitech Revue box and DISH's DVR, subscribers can search for content for DISH's linear, DVR, and VoD content.

DISH Network’s Google TV solution, which requires a DVR integration service of $4 per month, includes the Logitech Revue™ with Google TV™, a small set-top box available for a special price of $179 (MSRP $299) – an exclusive deal for DISH Network customers. The Google TV experience is compatible with DISH Network ViP series HD DVR satellite TV receivers including the ViP 622, ViP 722 and ViP 722k.

Best Buy Offering Free Google TV Installation with a Purchase

Logitech was kind enough to send a review unit of their Revue Google TV "smart TV adapter" a couple of weeks ago, and I tried it out at the office. For a direct connection to an HDTV, it's a very simple process, and I was able to open a number of the Web-based apps and see what the experience was like.

However, there is no TV service at our office, so to really get a true test, I had to bring the Revue home. This is where the installation process got tricky, and it's stalled any further testing.
What I'm struggling to figure out is how the Revue product bridges between the set-top box and the AV receiver. The FiOS set-top box only has one HDMI port, which goes straight into the receiver and provides the video feed to the TV. If I unplug this and plug the Revue box in, I lose the picture.

Second, I already have many different connections into the receiver, so I'm trying to figure out where I would add another and reconfigure the settings to properly display the Google TV user interface.

I wonder if other people considering a "smart TV" this holiday season will find the installation questions too much of an inhibitor to actually go forward with a product purchase. In fact, our Digital Media Evolution II survey from Q2 2010 provides just this insight. When consumers not interested in a connected TV are asked why, the results are:

• 31%: I would be concerned about privacy;
• 25%: My TV is not located near an Internet connection;
• 24%: I don't want an additional cable connected to my TV;
• 20%: I'm afraid that my TV will stop working because of a virus;
• 19%: I wouldn't know how to connect the TV to the Internet; and
• 17%: Connecting the TV would be too complicated/time consuming.

Clearly, this industry has some configuration and usage information to deliver to consumers, and give Best Buy credit. They have set up a site to explain the differences between "Internet-connectable" and "smart TVs."

For a single HDTV with no connection to an AV receiver, I don't think configuration will be much of a hassle. However, for those of us who invested in a home theater set-up, there's no sense creating a "smart TV" environment if we can't enjoy things like Netflix movies or Pandora in a 5.1 surround environment.

This is where Best Buy's press release from last week comes into play. For a limited time, customers who purchase a Sony Internet TV or Blu-ray player powered by Google TV will receive complimentary Geek Squad set-up and consultative services.

I could really use this service right now. I'd rather let the professional deal with the installation, proper configuration, and any necessary programming (remotes, etc.) rather than deal with the tangle of wires sitting behind the home entertainment console.

Logitech's Google TV Accessories

Logitech unveiled its Google TV accessories today, centered on the Revue™ companion box. The additional products showcased include:

• Logitech Mini Controller: a compact palm-sized keyboard/ touch pad/remote control combo.
• Logitech TV Cam and Logitech Vid™ HD: Plugs into the Revue compansion box and allows HD video calls (up to 720p).
• Logitech Google TV Apps: Logitech will offer two downloadable smartphone apps: the Logitech Harmony for iPhone and the Logitech Harmony for Android. These apps allow consumers to use their iPhone®, iPod® Touch, iPad™, or Android device to control the Google TV experience. With just one touch of the “Watch Google TV” button, both apps can turn on your television, cable/satellite box and A/V receiver.

These products are available for pre-order today on Logitech.com, Amazon.com and BestBuy.com, Logitech’s line of products for Google TV are expected to be available online and in Best Buy stores across the U.S. by the end of October. The Logitech Revue with Google TV suggested retail price is $299.99 (U.S.). The Logitech Mini Controller suggested retail price is $129.99 (U.S.). And the Logitech TV Cam suggested retail price is $149.99 (U.S.).

In addition to being bundled with the Logitech Revue, the Logitech Keyboard Controller will be available for purchase online as an individual item to work with other Google TV systems and will have a suggested retail price of $99.99 (U.S.).

The Logitech Harmony for Android app will be available for download from the Android Market for free. The Logitech Harmony for iPhone app is expected to be available for download from the Apple iTunes store for free.

In a separate press release today, Logitech and DISH Network announced that Logitech Revue with Google TV and accessories will also be offered to existing and prospective DISH Network customers through both Logitech and DISH Network.

Google TV Announces Content Partners

Google TV has a new Website, and it announced its initial apps. The TVs and Logitech Revue product will come pre-loaded with Netflix, Twitter, CNBC, Pandora, Napster, NBA Game Time, Amazon Video On Demand, Sony Qriocity, and Gallery.

Intel is getting its connected CE groove on

Intel had a busy week at the Intel Developer Forum. The company showed off two smart TV-enabling products powered by the Intel® Atom™ processor CE4100 and Google TV that will come out this Fall. The Sony Internet TV and the Logitech Revue add-in box seamlessly combine access to the Internet with the TV viewing experience through the combination of Intel processors and the Google TV Android platform. The Boxee Box from D-Link was offered for pre-orders last Monday, Telecom Italia and several other companies are also expected to launch Intel® Atom™ processor CE4100-based devices soon.

In addition, Technicolor announced that it was collaborating with Intelon its latest system on a chip, the Intel® Atom™ processor CE4200, formerly code-named Groveland. The strategic collaboration will fuel Technicolor's plan to drive into the market a new generation of integrated broadcast and IP set-top boxes, enabling service providers to create exciting new multi-screen, 3D, games and online video user experiences in the home