Google TV & Apple TV

Zascar

These seem to be getting a bit of hype - will they be any good do you think? And will we be able to get them in Ireland? I'm not pushed about watching youtube on my tv, I can do that with my WDTV and never bother really. However having the equivalent of Channel 4 OD on tv for all the other channels, would be brilliant...

http://www.google.com/tv/

Bob_Harris

Is it built into the TV or software like Media Portal or Media Centre?

aidan_walsh

With GoogleTV, it could be either or. There are plans for both STBs and sets with the functionality built in.

PogMoThoin

There's also Boxee, releasing their Dlink Boxee box next month

http://www.boxee.tv/
http://www.boxee.tv/box

danjo-xx

Boxee costs $200 what does google/apple cost?

Zascar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljNsmpkS6uQ

PogMoThoin

danjo-xx wrote: »

Boxee costs $200 what does google/apple cost?

Boxee is free, You can download and install it on any pc and try it out, this box by Dlink is $200 but there will be others. The market is about to explode with these type devices.
One thing's for sure, the Apple TV one will be selective about what it plays, Boxee and Google TV play everything

JTMan

If I buy a Google TV box on ebay will it work with a UPC box in Ireland?

aidan_walsh

I'm sure it would work as a television but its hard to tell at this time how it would behave for the added functionality. I'd imagine that in a case where the service is provided through an STB like UPC or Sky then the GoogleTV functionality would need to be in the STB.

JTMan

This ebay posting seems to make out that Google TV will work with all cable/satellite TV boxes:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Logitech-Revue-Google-TV-and-Keyboard-NEW-SEALED-/250714458699?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a5fbf0a4b#ht_4042wt_1139

It seems to sit on top of it and then search the box?

Is this accurate? Has anyone got it to work with UPC or Sky?

Zascar

Guys are there any country restrictions on this thing, like not being able to watch certain stuff cause we live in Ireland??

aidan_walsh

Zascar wrote: »

Guys are there any country restrictions on this thing, like not being able to watch certain stuff cause we live in Ireland??

Most likely.

Tea_Bag

you might want to slow down a bit there guys, seems all is not well with google TV.

http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/21/television-networks-block-google-tv-from-accessing-web-based-con/

looks like there is still some way to go before it becomes a "solution" to internet/TV.
im going to hold off for a while and see how this pans out.

Zascar wrote: »

Guys are there any country restrictions on this thing, like not being able to watch certain stuff cause we live in Ireland??

Because googleTV is going to be a variant of the Android OS, the restrictions might be circumventable over time once the OS gets rooted etc etc. (i know the discussion of this will become against the boards charter, but its interesting nonetheless.)

JTMan

I have just ordered Google TV on ebay.

Being able to easily watch Flash video, like the RTE iPlayer and 4 OD on my TV is just too appealing.

From the Logitech website:

Logitech Revue with Google TV will work outside of the USA however, there are some limitations:

The Quick Search Box will not yield any results for TV content. (i.e. if you type CNN into the Quick Search Box, the results will not indicate what is showing on CNN)
You may not be able to access some of the apps based on your location (i.e. Netflix, Amazon VOD, Pandora)
What will work:

Web access
Able to connect an HDMI compatible set-top box
Quick Search Box to see results for web and app content
Apps like Logitech Media Player, Logitech Help Assistant, Logitech Vid HD, Twitter

Bob_Harris

Fungus wrote: »

I have just ordered Google TV on ebay.

Being able to easily watch Flash video, like the RTE iPlayer and 4 OD on my TV is just too appealing.

Not sure I see the point in Goggle TV when you can get Linux based set top boxes that actually have tuner hardware and will perform most of the same internet functionality.

JTMan

Which Linux TV/internet wifi box, if any, will let you want Flash video on your TV, allow you browse the full web, search your UPC box via a HDMI cable, allow video calls and let you flick channels via your smartphone?

00sully

does google tv interact with sky and upc boxes? i.e. can it take over the epg and play the content through it and record to the boxes hd if using the logitech revue for instance?

i'd snap it up just for the fact I could control everything with my phone! (if it can take over sky hd box obviously)

drunkmonkey

Fungus wrote: »

I have just ordered Google TV on ebay.

Did you get it yet? Any review for us??


I've been looking at the Sony NSZ-GT1 and the Logitech Revue. From what I see the sony has a blue ray drive and an 8gb hard drive, it's working out about €70 more expensive than the Revue.
Not sure whether to hold off or go for one of them, there a little expensive, logitech is working out at €300 and €370 for the Sony.

JTMan

drunkmonkey wrote: »

Did you get it yet? Any review for us??

Still waiting for delivery.

JTMan

Okay, time for a review of the Revue.

It's a game changer. It is the first major main stream shift towards web TV. Goodbye UPC in the near future ...

Pro's:
Great user friendly Google software.
Works incredibly well with You Tube Lean Back, Channel 4 on Demand, RTE News Now, Google Video, Bloomberg TV, CNBC and most video web sites.
Good wireless keyboard
Great web browser.
The first web to tv to web convergence device I have used that simply works.

Con's:
Not all video websites are not customised for Google TV. Case in point, the RTE iPlayer does not fit to TV screen for some unknown reason.
As per a different thread, I cannot get the UPC audio to play via the UPC box. This is no big deal as I can still play UPC content via the SCART connection.
Very few TV apps in the Android market for now.

Overall, very happy with Google TV. I would seriously recommend it to anyone.

Zagato

So, am I right in assuming that you have a HD UPC box, and if so, that now you are losing any hi def channels if you have to use the SCART lead. That would be a pity.

The other thing I was wondering was can you look up the UPC EPG through the revue.

If you have an optical cable, can you connect that out of the upc box into the revue? Hope you figure out a way to solve the audio

JTMan

Zagato wrote: »

So, am I right in assuming that you have a HD UPC box, and if so, that now you are losing any hi def channels if you have to use the SCART lead. That would be a pity.

Yes, I have a UPC HD box. You can use a HDMI cable, but due to the audio problems I am using a SCART lead.

Zagato wrote: »

The other thing I was wondering was can you look up the UPC EPG through the revue.

Yes, but only by using the UPC EPG, not the Google EPG as Google do not have UPC added yet.

Zagato wrote: »

If you have an optical cable, can you connect that out of the upc box into the revue? Hope you figure out a way to solve the audio

Do you mean a SPDIF cable?

Zagato

Fungus wrote: »

Yes, but only by using the UPC EPG, not the Google EPG as Google do not have UPC added yet.

That's a pity

Fungus wrote: »

Do you mean a SPDIF cable?

Yes, I guess, to be honest don't know what they're called:o, but just thought that this plus the HDMI might fix your problem, if you're not getting the sound through the HDMI

JTMan

Cheers, I have kinda got around the problem, I simply just use HDMI port 1 for UPC and HDMI port 2 for Google TV. In theory they both should feed off the same port but it works fine this way.

2BT

If I were to run an SPDIF cable from UPC box to Revue box would that give me sound and allow me to use the same HDMI port for both, as it is much handier then using two different ports. All help appreciated.

At the moment I have only sound via my surround sound straight from UPC box, but sometimes it can look like the lip sync is off if there is no sound coming from TV at all and for other people in the house I want to try fix it so that they can just turn on the TV and watch it without having to go near the surround sound remote etc etc......

Apparently thats hassle

Thought I would be able to use the scart too and just tell the others in the house to watch tv on Scart1 channel, but the scart port on the UPC box does not work if there is a HDMI cable plugged into the UPC box also. Bit silly really.

trev44

any of you guys know what content is missing from apple tv. easy to find out whats on it but not so easy to find out whats not.
t

rai555

did anybody bought Logitech Revue recently? willing to get my hands on

ScumLord

the thing these companies don't realise is they are in competition with the pirate scene whether they like it or not and they're losing the battle.

Even free services like 4OD are beginning to look lame in comparison to some HD pirate sites out there. I would normally try to use 4OD but the quality isn't great and they are increasing their advertising content to the point it's becoming to annoying to watch. It wouldn't be so bad if they'd just use more than one or two ads repeating non stop.

I could never see myself going back to watching standard TV, I actually find sitting in front of the likes of a sky box painful I've been away from TV for so long.

bigneacy

Does anyone know where I can get a Logitech Revue? They are $99 on their website, which is about €70. There is one on amazon for €200...

If i got a Logitech Revue, how much use is it here in Ireland - would I be able to use websites that stream videos on it?, Or would it just end up being a glorified Google Videos browser?

JTMan

bigneacy wrote: »

Does anyone know where I can get a Logitech Revue? They are $99 on their website, which is about €70. There is one on amazon for €200...

If i got a Logitech Revue, how much use is it here in Ireland - would I be able to use websites that stream videos on it?, Or would it just end up being a glorified Google Videos browser?

You can buy it on eBay or in Best Buy stores in the states. The retail price is now 99 USD.

I have it. Yes, you can stream web video.

rai555

bigneacy wrote: »

Does anyone know where I can get a Logitech Revue? They are $99 on their website, which is about €70. There is one on amazon for €200...

If i got a Logitech Revue, how much use is it here in Ireland - would I be able to use websites that stream videos on it?, Or would it just end up being a glorified Google Videos browser?

Would be nice to find for the right price , it is £146.99 on amazon.co.uk and it seems not that buyer friendly

BionicRasher

rai555 wrote: »

Would be nice to find for the right price , it is £146.99 on amazon.co.uk and it seems not that buyer friendly

Big price difference between Amazon and buying in the US

Will they ship this to Ireland from the UK? Will US sellers ship to Ireland?

I know you can buy it as an international customer in Best Buy in the US but you need someone to collect it at a store or have it delivered to a friend with a US address - bit of a hassle

I think with the upcoming Android Honeycomb due on the box soon prices could go up again and at €99 its a real bargain

bigneacy

rai555 wrote: »

Would be nice to find for the right price , it is £146.99 on amazon.co.uk and it seems not that buyer friendly

Right - so say if I wanted to watch 4od, Google Videos and any other Irish-friendly TV/Film streaming sites what would be my best purchase?

Also for streaming some sites such as free-tv-video, TVduck etc. - I would want something that would work with these also.

Logitech Revue or something else?

trev44

hi
will this the logitec play an avi or mkv from an external harddrive connected by USB or preferably connected via a wireless network.
thanks
t

redbull1985

not sure about the Logitech Revue seems american based and apps seem locked sony one also. the google tv boxs on the other hand on ebay are android based so you can download and delete apps etc.
i wouldn't bother with apple tv .
anyone buy one of these yet:
http://shop.ebay.ie/i.html?_nkw=google+tv+box&_sacat=0&_dmpt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_Video_RemoteControls&_odkw=Logitech+Revue+Companion+Box&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0.m270.l1313

so damn many to choose from

Zascar

Any ones stand out in particular?

redbull1985

http://cgi.ebay.ie/Google-HD-1080P-Internet-TV-Box-Android-2-3-WIFI-HDMI-Flash-/320757188605?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aae9e47fd#ht_8695wt_704
and
http://cgi.ebay.ie/GOOGLE-ANDROID-2-2-INTERNET-HDMI-HD-TV-BOX-WIFI-FLASH-MEDIA-/170702524508?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item27bea9d05c#ht_5265wt_902

both seem good, as in android tablets tons of makers same machine. android is android end of the day . top one says android 2.3 which is newer. but this doesnt affect much as most apps are basic .
both seem to do ok in the video codec department
plus both sites ship to ireland with the first link doing free shipping.

these boxes eliminate the expensive option of upgrading to a internet tv.

BionicRasher

Isn't the Revue and Sony TV the real Google TV? I thought it was.

Not sure the ebay ones are really google TV they have the look of knock off to me.

I think they are about to release the next version of google TV in the coming weeks with honeycomb on board.

redbull1985

they may not be official google boxes but they are android boxes!

same as the android tablets like flytouch3 which just use modified phone roms .

thing i dont like about the Revue and Sony boxes are they seem to have set apps like netflixs hulu etc which are pointless in ireland. the remotes look great then again the android boxes can use mini bluetooth keyboards .
the boxes will eventually get updated firmware custom roms which may incorporate honeycomb soon id imagine.

Zascar

What I'd be interested to know is what kind of extra content do they list etc. I don't need internet on my tv, I have many other devises for internet. What I would like is a devise that makes it really easy to get some of the quality internet based tv content. Say for example Channel 4 OD: I don't want to watch it on my PC - i'd love a nice easy menu to navigate it all via remote on my tv. Pardon the perhaps newbie question but do these things do this stuff or is just like turning my tv into a giant android phone?

redbull1985

well the boxes have google chrome so you could just stream it be basically like having your laptop connected to your tv minus the laptop. for me im sick of dragging my laptop over and connecting it up. so these would be a handy addition . personally i wouldnt be using the markets apps id keep that for my tablet and phone .

PogMoThoin

redbull1985 wrote: »

they may not be official google boxes but they are android boxes!

Unsupported Android boxes, they're stuck as they are with no updates. Does the market work and show only apps compatible with the device? I doubt it.

Run a mile. Best to buy something with a future support path as Android is evolving quickly.

If you're not worried about 1080p get an Apple TV and put XBMC on it.
http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=How-to:Install_XBMC_on_Apple_TV_2
http://xbmc.org/about/

BionicRasher

would totally agree with PogMoThoin

They are cheap for a reason - they are knock offs and will not get the support that a Revue or Sony TV or Apple box would get

redbull1985

well the flexiview has firmware updates atleast. check over at androidforum

between my tablet and phone i can see all the apps in the market yet some arent supported for the tablet even though i can see them from the device.

nah id rather not touch apple.

as for tv designed apps, a vid on youtube goes on to say they are in development and appearing. this was in 2010 when the vid went up so im sure there are plenty now

Keith186

Does the Logitech Revue play content from an external hard drive?

I was going to get one a while ago, try get the $99 one delivered to a us company that will ship it over here. Should be cheaper than the £146 from Amazon which was mentioned earlier.

PogMoThoin

redbull1985 wrote: »

nah id rather not touch apple.

Go with XBMC, the Apple TV is just a cheap way of getting XBMC (limited to 720p).
XBMC is the ultimate media centre, it's open source, completely customisable with loads of custom skins and plugins. But best of all, you can use the Android app on your phone to browse through your content with thumbnails. I'll soon be moving from a dedicated box (Boxee Box) to a nettop with XBMC (cos I want 1080p)
https://market.android.com/details?id=org.xbmc.android.remote&feature=search_result




Download the XBMC windows client and try it out on your pc, prepare to be amazed.

massy086

PogMoThoin wrote: »

Go with XBMC, the Apple TV is just a cheap way of getting XBMC (limited to 720p).
XBMC is the ultimate media centre, it's open source, completely customisable with loads of custom skins and plugins. But best of all, you can use the Android app on your phone to browse through your content with thumbnails. I'll soon be moving from a dedicated box (Boxee Box) to a nettop with XBMC (cos I want 1080p)
https://market.android.com/details?id=org.xbmc.android.remote&feature=search_result




Download the XBMC windows client and try it out on your pc, prepare to be amazed.

hmmm im running 1080p no probs in xbmc on atv 2 are u using a nightly build???

PogMoThoin

massy086 wrote: »

hmmm im running 1080p no probs in xbmc on atv 2 are u using a nightly build???

Didn't think that was possible, it may say 1080p but are you sure its outputting in 1080 and not 720p.

massy086

PogMoThoin wrote: »

massy086 wrote: »

hmmm im running 1080p no probs in xbmc on atv 2 are u using a nightly build???

Didn't think that was possible, it may say 1080p but are you sure its outputting in 1080 and not 720p.

Ye defo doing 1080 I compared it to the same file playing on my Pc

rai555

massy086 wrote: »

Ye defo doing 1080 I compared it to the same file playing on my Pc

How did you managed to check the resolution, massy ? there's no properties option