Final Major Network Blocks Google TV

Fox has become the latest to join in on blocking access to Google TV.  Every major U.S. TV network has blocked Google TV from accessing content on their websites and on their partner sites Hulu and PlayOn.  Users and TV providers will be locked in a game of cat and mouse finding ways to get around this blackout.  Until this dispute is resolved, Google TV will not be able to gain mass acceptance.

TV Networks Blocking Web Content To Google TV

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that television networks ABC, CBS, and NBC are blocking content to Google TV.  The networks have content that is viewable on the web and some mobile devices, but they are reluctant to allow people to integrate the web content with traditional TV viewing.  The dispute centers around the network's ability to monetize their web content.  Currently, broadcast TV generates more revenue that web-based content, so the networks do not want to cannibalize broadcast TV viewers.

WD TV Live Hub Leaked

There is a great thread at the AV Science Forum detailing the currently unreleased Western Digital WD TV Live Hub.  Apparently, one forum member was able to purchase a unit when Best Buy mistakenly put the product live on its website.  The product has been pulled from both Best Buy's and Western Digital's sites, but can still be viewed via Google cache.  One of the biggest improvements over previous WD TV releases is the improved user interface and remote!

Unannounced product details

• 1TB internal hard drive


• Copy, move, delete files stored on internal, external, or network drives via WD TV interface


• Can stream content to WD TV Live, WD TV Live Plus, or other DLNA/UPnP devices


• iTunes server


• HDMI, composite, component connections


• Ethernet connection, optional wireless adapter


• Accuweather, Blockbuster, facebook, Flickr, live365, Mediafly, Netflix, Pandora, Youtube

Sony Unveils Their Google TV Lineup

Sony has unveiled their Google TV offerings dubbed "Sony Internet TV". Sony has two approaches delivering Google TV to consumers.  The first approach is the integrated experience with four sizes of TVs, 24", 32", 40", and 46".  The second approach is in a Blu-ray player with integrated Google TV.  This device may be a good fit for consumers wanting physical and streaming content.  Both the integrated TV and Blu-ray player come with an awful looking remote that reminds me of a Brother P-Touch labeler.  As with the Logitech unit, consumers may want to wait for more devices to come to market.

Suggested Retail Prices:

• 24" Integrated TV $599


• 32" Integrated TV $799


• 40" Integrated TV $999


• 46" Integrated TV $1399


• Blu-ray player $399

Logitech Revue Now Available For Preorder

Logitech has unveiled their first Google TV product, the Revue and I can't stop looking at the price tag.  The Revue will set you back a whopping $299!  This is triple the cost of the high-end Roku and Apple TV boxes and twice the amount of the best WDTV box.  Let's see what we get for this price.

Specs:

• 2 USB 2.0 ports


• HDMI in & out ports


• Wireless: 802.11a/b/g/n


• Ethernet 10/100 Base-T


• Android or iOS remote app


• Keyboard controlled with integrated remote, compact keyboard and touchpad


• IR mini blaster


• HDMI cable


• Additional accessories available

This all of information we could find published by Logitech. If you are interested in Google TV, you may want to wait until more vendors release devices.

Logitech To Unveil Their Google TV October 6th

Engadget reports Logitech will unveil their Google TV stand alone box this Wednesday, October 6th.  This will beat out Sony for their October 12th unveiling.  Digital Copy Room will have full details of the product, so stay tuned.

New Apple TV Has Been Jailbroken

Mac Rumors reports the new Apple TV has been jailbroken.  While root access has been acquired, it may take a little more time until people find a way to get apps on the device.  I'm sure Apple will be very interested how people modify this device.  This would help Apple map out the product's future.

TV White Space Usage Green-Lighted For Wireless Connections

The FCC has approved the use of white space TV channels (the unused space between channels) for the use of wireless connectivity.  The white space frequencies do not require a FCC license to use.  Current WiFi technologies have a limited range and are impaired by objects such as walls.  The white space spectrum can have ranges measured in miles and can easily penetrate objects.  We may see some proof of concept products as soon as January at CES 2011.

Roku Refreshes Product Line

Roku has refreshed their entire line of set-top TV boxes with prices ranging from $60 - $100, depending on model.  The high-end Roku XD|S will even play content from a USB connected hard drive (via free software update available in November).  At this time, the Roku XD|S will only be able to playback video in mp4 & m4v (H.264) formats.  This product line should give both the WDTV and Apple TV products a run for their money.  Also, we should hear some more details about the upcoming Google TV any day!

Roku currently has deals with the following companies to stream content to their products

• Video: Netflix, Amazon Video, Flixster, ChannelLive, and more


• Sports: UFC, MLB.TV, MCC, AFL, GAA


• News: Twit.TV, Revision3, Mediafly, TechPodcasts.com and more


• Music: Pandora, MP3Tunes, radiotime, MOG, and more


• Social: vimeo, SmugMug, facebook photos, BREAK.com, flickr, and more 

Below is a quick reference guide for choosing the Roku that is right for you.

Roku HD

• Works with any TV


• 720p video (Composite & HDMI)


• 802.11g WiFi


• 10/100 Ethernet


• Price $59.99 

Roku XD

• Same as Roku HD but adds


• 1080p video (Composite & HDMI)


• Instant replay button


• 802.11n WiFi


• Price $79.99 

Roku XD|S

• Same as Roku XD but adds


• Dual-Band WiFi


• Component video & optical audio


• USB ports for content playback (via software upgrade)


• Price $99.99 

Netflix Streaming Coming To Canada?

The Hollywood Reporter claims that Netflix will announce access to their streaming service tomorrow.  This would be the company's first market outside the United States.  The rumor states there are no current plans for mail order DVDs.  

Google Having Trouble Selling GoogleTV To Media Companies?

Extra Extra..... From the land of dinosaur media companies, Google having trouble selling the idea of GoogleTV!

We knew it would be difficult to negotiate content deals for GoogleTV.  The Wall Street Journal is reporting media companies are worried about cannibalizing the traditional broadcast model with online video.  Media companies are concerned because they currently earn less money with online advertising.  In addition, GoogleTV would enable more competition for content displayed on TVs.

I believe all video will be web based someday. Content owners that adapt to this new business model early will be in a better position to compete in this market.

Hulu Introduces HuluPLUS For $10 A Month

Today, Hulu introduced its subscription service, HuluPLUS. HuluPLUS will offer content on multiple devices such as the iPad, iPhone, and televisions via Sony's Playstation 3 and Microsoft's Xbox 360.  HuluPLUS will allow subscribers access to the service's back catalog of shows and season passes of current programming. The subscription fee will cost $9.99 a month.  Current episodes of shows will remain on the free site.

$10 a month seems expensive compared to NetFlix which starts out at $9 a month and has a larger catalog.  Is this the end of Hulu or the start of something great?

Rumor: Next Version Of AppleTV To Run iPhone OS And Cost $99?

Engadget has posted a rumor about the next release of the AppleTV.  They received a tip stating the upcoming release of the home theater product will run the iPhone OS, contain both the A4 processor and 16GB of flash storage.  The big surprise is the cost, $99.  

This rumor is very interesting, hopefully it will have usb ports so you can connect additional storage.  I'm sure the jailbreak community is getting excited about this.  Only time will tell if the rumor is true.

Google Announces Google TV

Google has officially announced Google TV, a new platform designed to bring web based content to your TV.  Google is partnering with Sony and Logitech to integrate the service in televisions, blue-ray players, and stand alone boxes. Under the hood, Google TV will run the Android operating system and Google Chrome.