Google TV: To get a Revue or not?

[Coldkilla]

So I need something to replace me having to pay $40-$68 dollars a year for Xbox Live. I only use it for Netflix. I also need something to allow me to surf the net on my television. So I turn to GoogleTV.

Logitech and Sony apparently are my only two choices. I love Logitech's full-sized keyboard, much more than Sony's bulky remote/keyboard. My only worry is that Logitech said they 'screwed up' with their revue, on a $100 million dollar scale. With 'no more developments' coming, I was wondering if it's still a good idea to still side with them.

I heard that Sony will continue support for the product, potentially revealing something at CES this year. However, with my Xbox Live subscription lapsing on Feb. 3, I need something fast.

Will the Revue still receive firmware updates and stuff from Google? Or will that only be for Sony? Thanks.

 

[bearxor]

If all you're using it for is Netflix and web browsing, then you cant go too wrong with it. I wouldn't expect much in the future as far as updates go.

GTV as a platform needs to be rethought, not just Logitech's implementation of it.

 

[zerocool84]

Wait until CES is over if you can and see if anything catches your fancy enough to wait. I'm sure there will be some Google TV announcements on what's going to happen with it this year.

 

[ponyo]

It's already announced Google is switching to ARM for Google TV2. So don't expect support for Intel Atom.

It's $80. Know any other STB for $80 that has the keyboard/trackpad that can surf the web like GoogleTV? Keyboard alone is worth $80. Plus it recently received 3.1 Honeycomb update with Android market support? What more do you want for $80?

 

[bearxor]

Totally. The keyboard is the best part. Well worth it, even if the rest of the box was a hunk of junk.

 

[gorcorps]

I would have said no until the last update, but now it's fairly solid. The Netflix app is good and streams HD, but doesn't have surround sound if you care.

 

[Crow550]

Yeah if you want the keyboard sure. However it's unknown how long the Revue will last? However it all depends on your needs too.

If you are looking for a low cost streaming box then the $50 Roku LT which while only 720P is not that big of a deal as when it comes to streaming video the quality difference between 720P & 1080P is debatable.

Or go for the XD or XS box.

As with the Revue. Well Logitech gave up due to lackluster sales.

I use a PC & Roku box for online content. Good combo. It was pretty cheap to run a long HDMI cable with HDMI switcher with equalizer (thanks to Monoprice) to the TV and the wireless Keyboard and Mouse (or Logitechs latest Trackball I use on the other PC) reaches just fine.

Along with a TV tuner card with Over The Air Antenna for DVRing.

 

[Coldkilla]

Yeah if you want the keyboard sure. However it's unknown how long the Revue will last? However it all depends on your needs too.

If you are looking for a low cost streaming box then the $50 Roku LT which while only 720P is not that big of a deal as when it comes to streaming video the quality difference between 720P & 1080P is debatable.

Or go for the XD or XS box.

As with the Revue. Well Logitech gave up due to lackluster sales.

I use a PC & Roku box for online content. Good combo. It was pretty cheap to run a long HDMI cable with HDMI switcher with equalizer (thanks to Monoprice) to the TV and the wireless Keyboard and Mouse (or Logitechs latest Trackball I use on the other PC) reaches just fine.

Along with a TV tuner card with Over The Air Antenna for DVRing.

While I'd love to do that personally, my 60 year old mother probably wont catch onto that none-too-quick

I'll stick with this Revue then. Seems pretty solid for what we want out of it. In fact I just picked it up. Only for Chrome to completely lock up 3x instantly forcing me to unplug it..

 

[ultimatebob]

You know that you can get a Roku 2 HD for $60, right? It's dead simple to use, and it will run Netflix (and several other video services) in 1080i HD with 5.1 surround sound like a charm.

Best of all, you don't have to worry about Logitech pulling support for the box any day now.

 

[Crow550]

You know that you can get a Roku 2 HD for $60, right? It's dead simple to use, and it will run Netflix (and several other video services) in 1080i HD with 5.1 surround sound like a charm.

Best of all, you don't have to worry about Logitech pulling support for the box any day now.

The Roku LT is a Roku 2 HD just $10 cheaper and lacks the gaming support. Also no microSD slot that is used to install more channels (mainly large games)

 

[glen]

What exactly do people mean when they say GoogleTV?
Simply a keyboard and browser?

 

[Crow550]

What exactly do people mean when they say GoogleTV?
Simply a keyboard and browser?

Google modified Android for streaming settop use.

 

[glen]

Google modified Android for streaming settop use.

hmmm...
I stream netflix through my Blu-Ray player already.
So, what is the marginal benefit?
I think I would rather surf on my desktop.
If I am too lazy to walk into the room with the desktop, I can grab my laptop off the sofa.

The main thing I want my TV to do, which it does not do well currently, is play music. That would be nice, because the system is hooked up to the suround system. If there were an easy way to run pandora or playlist, that would be helpful.

So, I can sort of see some benefit, just not that much right now. Of course, I do realize that Today there are all sorts of thing I cannot live without which a few years ago, I did not even know I "needed."

 

[Crow550]

Rokus line of settop boxes do stream audio as well. Check out http://www.roku.com/roku-channel-store click on Music.

You can also use Windows Media Center, Boxee, XBMC and such on your laptop. A web browser works well too. Not as TV friendly though.

Google TV since based off Android is an open platform and is working on getting on more device support.

The Logitech Revue was the first device but sold poorly. I believe because people don't want a large keyboard and touch pad and would rather use a remote with a slide out keyboard and motion controlled IMO.

Which Roku does well along with being able to sell there boxes for as low as $50. I dig my Roku boxes.

Don't get me wrong. I like Google products just Google TV seems to be having a rough time. They are partnering with Vizio and LG and such. Which integrating into TVs and Blu-Ray players seem like a good idea.

The main problem is too many settop boxes on the market along with smart TVs and Blu-Ray players and game consoles.

However not one device has it all. So you can mix it up wisely and get almost all the content out there in your living room.

 

[Homer Simpson]

ive been content with my revue. i didnt get it until it was dropped to $99 so i think i did ok for what i use it for. had i paid the original $250 for it, well, i'd feel pretty ripped off.

the latest update to honeycomb has made it much better. i use it mostly for netflix. its on my livingroom tv so all i had was a so-so netflix interface on my bluray player. the revue has the same interface my ps3 does on my hometheater in the basement. also the new update added a nice program guide (my cable dvr is a horrid SARA-based box). ive also made use of the youtube a number of times. when i have company and we want to check out a funny video, watching on the tv is way better than making everyone circle around my PC in the office. keyboard is def a great feature too. i havent messed with any of the market stuff since the update so i cant speak to those items. it serves its purpose as an internet connected media box.

 

[Crow550]

Vizio is launching a $99 Google TV box: http://vizio.com/ces/streamplayer/overview

Also adding it to Blu-Ray players and TVs too.

More info: http://www.ecoustics.com/electronics/products/new/701599.html

Sure other Google TV boxes are coming from other Manufacturers as well. Just didn't see any news blurbs about em yet.

 

[ultimatebob]

hmmm...
I stream netflix through my Blu-Ray player already.
So, what is the marginal benefit?
I think I would rather surf on my desktop.
If I am too lazy to walk into the room with the desktop, I can grab my laptop off the sofa.

The main thing I want my TV to do, which it does not do well currently, is play music. That would be nice, because the system is hooked up to the suround system. If there were an easy way to run pandora or playlist, that would be helpful.

So, I can sort of see some benefit, just not that much right now. Of course, I do realize that Today there are all sorts of thing I cannot live without which a few years ago, I did not even know I "needed."

The Roku has a very good Pandora application... I use it on my surround sound system.