What's a Google TV, Anyway?

In order to tell you what Google TV is, you should probably know what a smart TV is. In today's connected world, there are 2 televisions which can connect to the Internet: smart TV's and an Internet connectible TV. So what's the difference? Both of them can connect to the Internet through an easy-to-use interface which allows users to search for and stream content such as videos and music. However, that is essentially where the differences end. Smart TV's have a web browser which allows users to surf the Internet with no specific purpose in mind. You can check your e-mail, access Facebook, check out Wikipedia, or aimlessly wander the Internet with no intended goal. Internet connectible TV's don't have an Internet browser, instead they can only access the Internet through the applications preloaded or available for download. Some examples of these applications are Netflix or Pandora.

So Google TV is a smart TV, which means it has several features you can't access with a regular Internet connectible TV. A smart TV is a connected TV or Blu-ray player with significant processing power and a high quality and responsive user interface. It provides integrated Internet, television and personal content with search capability. It is interactive and personalized, providing access to applications such as Facebook or news services tailored to your interests and local area. In order to maximize the features of Google TV, you will need a few things. First, you need an HDTV with an HDMI input. Second, you need a cable, satellite, or telephone company box with an HDMI output. Last, you need high speed Internet access with a speed of 5 to 10 mbps or higher.

Google TV brings together the quality viewing experience of full 1080p with the expansive search capabilities of Google. You can search and view television shows, movies, and video content from broadcast television, Internet, or your DVR. Share photographs via applications such as Kodak Gallery, Picasa, and Flickr. A key component of this technology is the ability to search online or utilize Internet applications while watching television. Picture-in-picture technology allows users to multi-task. Sign into Facebook while waiting for your favorite TV show to return from commercial. Check your fantasy football team while waiting for the game to start. When it does, switch your program to the larger screen and let your online activity wait for you until the next break. Seamless transition means greater integration and more fun. What allows Google TV to handle all of this activity is the Intel Atom CE4100 processor, a chip which provides high quality video and audio performance with online functionality.

Now that you know what it is, the next question to answer is how to get it? The answer to this question begs the answering of a question on your part. Do you already have an HDTV? If the answer is no, the most efficient way to get Google TV would be to purchase a Sony Internet TV. A Sony Internet TV has the Google TV technology built-in, meaning there is no extra equipment required. It comes with a keyboard controller, a full QWERTY keyboard which allows you to search online and access applications. These TV's come in 24", 32", 40", and 46" models.

If you already have an HDTV and just want to add Google TV to your repertoire, then you have 2 options. The first is the Logitech Revue companion box and keyboard controller. This is a box which connects to your TV and basically contains the technology which is built into the Sony Internet TV. The Logitech Revue comes with the following pre-loaded applications: Twitter and Facebook for your social networking needs, Kodak Gallery for picture sharing,Chrome, Logitech Help Assistant, CNBC, Logitech Media Player, Napster, NBA Game time, Netflix, and Pandora. It also comes with an application called Logitech Vid HD. This is an application which allows for full 1080p Skype video-calling when an accompanying Logitech webcam is purchased.

The other option to add Google TV to an HDTV is the Sony Internet TV Blu-ray disc player. Besides being able to play Blu-ray and DVD discs, it comes with the following pre-loaded applications: Kodak Gallery, Netflix, Amazon, weather.com, CNBC, Napster, Pandora, Twitter, and Facebook.