Viacom joins Google TV boycott

Viacom has confirmed that it is blocking all of its content on Google TV devices from Sony and Logitech. This includes programming from Viacom networks Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, Spike TV, BET, Nickelodeon and others.

So, Google TV may want its MTV, but finds the doors closed. Last Sunday, Google TV users first reported being unable to access the Viacom channels. With the move, Viacom joins the four major US networks ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox, as well as the Hulu Plus premium service, in the boycott of Google TV.

Last September, Google TV announced its first official content partners. Broadcasters such as Time Warner’s HBO and Turner Broadcasting and even CNBC, part of NBC Universal, were named as parties who made their programming available to the service.

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Best Buy Offers Free Google TV Setup Through Holidays

Hoping to make Google's TV-wrapped-in-the-Web technology less intimidating, Best Buy is offering free installation and setup through the holiday-shopping season to customers who purchase a Sony Internet TV or Blu-ray player powered by Google TV.

Google TV's proposition is to combine conventional TV with Web content, YouTube clips and other video, games and applications into "a single, seamless entertainment experience." The Internet search giant is working with media companies to let their content be access via Google TV -- including Turner Broadcasting System, HBO, CNBC, Netflix, Amazon.com and the National Basketball Association -- and also is in talks with broadcasters about enabling their content on the platform as well.

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