After pretty much dominating the world of the Internet, Google has decided to tackle that of television as well (or better said, bring the two together), its Google TV initiative shaping up to be an extremely attractive solution,with Logitech being the first to release a finite product meant to grant access to this future service to all HDTV owners, namely the Revue set-top box.
The Logitech Revue with Google TV is a compact, plug-and-play companion box that, with its Logitech Keyboard Controller, provides seamless control over the Google TV experience and home-entertainment devices.
The company’s portfolio of products for Google TV also includes the Logitech TV Cam and Vid HD service for HD video calling and the Logitech Mini Controller for Logitech Revue as well as other applications designed for the Google TV platform, but we'll talk about those in a future article.
Anyway, back to the Revue, Logitech claims that all the Revue requires in order to bring forth the magic of Google TV is a broadband Internet connection, a HDTV featuring an HDMI cable and a cable/satellite provider box equipped with a HDMI output.
After setting up the system (a process that will take only a couple of minutes), users will be able to easily and rapidly navigate and interact with the content available via Google's TV service, the Logitech Keyboard Controller including everything one might need to control Google TV and featuring a familiar keyboard layout so anyone can start searching without a learning curve.
The controllers also includes a touch pad with scroll functionality for control in addition to back and home buttons for easy Web page navigation, and to give one a reliable connection, the Keyboard Controller also uses Logitech Unifying wireless technology.
Harmony Link technology is embedded in Logitech Revue (namely the same technology that powers Logitech’s family of Harmony universal remotes) so, in addition to the familiar typing and mouse experience, Logitech provides buttons to also control one's TV, A/V receiver and DVR.
These let users power on their TV, turn up the volume on their speakers or access the DVR content without needing to use an additional remote.
In addition, one can use the setup software to customize the controller's buttons and map commands for various devices.
“Logitech Revue with Google TV makes it easy for people to use just one controller to find and enjoy content from a variety of sources – programs from TV providers; the entire Web, including Flash-based games; music, photos and videos from their personal library; and a growing selection of apps,” said Ashish Arora, vice president and general manager of Logitech’s digital home products group.
“Logitech not only delivers the Google TV experience for any HDMI-ready TV, but we build on it with exceptional interface devices, control of living room components through Logitech Harmony Link and enhanced experiences such as video calling in the living room.”
Logitech’s line of products for Google TV are expected to be available by the end of October, the Logitech Revue with Google TV having a suggested retail price of $299.99 (U.S.), which, as far as we're concerned, is an extremely affordable solution, given the fact that the other option would be to purchase a brand-new Sony Bravia HDTV with support for Google TV that, most likely, will be a lot more expensive.
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