Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Player - Part 1

Digital Copy Room is pleased to have Mike Fielder give us his hands-on impressions of Sony's new Google TV Blu-ray player!

 

Hi! I'm Mike. I am a Tech Junkie.....

Logitech unveiled the Logitech Revue on October 6, and Sony unveiled their Google TV devices the following week. As a Tech junkie and a quiet fan of the Android platform, I couldn't wait to see how Google TV could enhance my home TV viewing experience. After a week of reading about both set top devices I was surprised to find out that the Sony Blu Ray player with Google TV embedded, was available for purchase from the Sony store in Annapolis! Off to Annapolis I GO!!!

I am now the owner of Sony’s Blu Ray/Google TV player. It comes with all the necessary hardware and connecting it to the TV is pretty straight forward.



Now, I  have an LCD TV with an HTPC connected to it so I'm familiar with using a small form factor keyboard. It takes some time to adjust to using a standard or small keyboard when surfing the net unless you have a level platform to rest the keyboard on. Sony addresses this small issue by creating a remote/keyboard in the form of their traditional gamepad controller. I initially had issues with this design, but after using it, I can only say that Sony has hit the mark! If you have used those mini keyboards for texting on slider phones, then you will be comfortable using this remote. It feels really natural in your hands and your thumbs are in perfect position for typing in search topics or URLs. I wish I could get a remote like this for my HTPC! The Sony remote has an optical mouse and Android function keys under your right thumb, and directional keys under your left thumb. Once your cable box and TV are programmed into the device, you can put those remotes into the drawer since they won't be needed much.

Now the buttons on the remote are grouped into three sections. The main keys for navigating through the Google TV interface, the Cable/Satellite box, and Digital TV are on the black portion of the remote.

In the middle of the remote is a row of color coded keys and your standard DVD control keys. Below this row is the qwerty keypad that will be used keying in your search topics and web URLs.

So far, my experience with Google TV has been very pleasant. I have added certain content to my queue and I am now able to view this material at the push of a button or two!! Looks like a great investment! Stay tuned!!



You Can Follow Mike on Twitter @BigMike21226 and look for Mike Fielder on facebook.



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