Google TV

Vizio Announces Two Google TV Players


 VIZIO VAP430

Vizio, manufacturer of ground-breaking TVs and accessories, has announced two Google TV powered set-top boxes, the VAP430 and the VBR430.

The VAP430 Stream player picks up where the Revue left off, adding the Google TV experience and access to streaming media in any existing setup. Meanwhile, the VBR430 Blu-ray player adds discs to the mix of a VIA platform (standard and Plus) that stands to benefit from a new VOD app, M-Go from Technicolor that should bring first-run movies streaming directly to TVs. Vizio announced a few other add-ons mentioned in their keynote including a Skype webcam, iPad dock and soundbar, but all of these are available now.

Like the other products Vizio has announced at CES, shipping dates and prices are will be announced soon.


 VIZIO VBR430
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LG Unveils Large-Screen Cinema 3D Smart TV Line-Up


 LG 55-inch OLED TV

Constantly Innovating, LG’s 2012 Home Entertainment Products Offer the Latest in 3D Technologies and Smart TV Features

LAS VEGAS, January, 2012 – LG Electronics unveiled its new portfolio of CINEMA 3D TVs at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (booth #8204). Led by the 55-inch class (54.6-inch diagonal) 3D OLED TV and the 84-inch class (84.04 inch diagonal) 3D Ultra Definition (UD) TV, LG presented a wide variety of new products, technologies and features catered to please consumers worldwide, including new CINEMA 3D Smart TVs, monitors and projectors and a fully matured Smart TV ecosystem which contains over 1,200 apps and premium 3D content.

"The 3D and Smart TV revolution is just beginning and LG is committed to convincing consumers the world over that these technologies are the future, not just a fad," said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company.

Large-Screen CINEMA 3D Smart TVs

In light of increasing quantity and quality of 3D content, consumer demand has been growing for larger screens which can generate more realistic and immersive 3D viewing experiences. As a result, LG will unveil a wider range of large-screen CINEMA 3D Smart TVs, spanning between 55- and 84-inch classes.Read more

VIZIO and Google TV Team Up to Create Stream Player


 VIZIO VAP430

January 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- (CES) -- VIZIO and Google today jointly announced the introduction of the VIZIO VAP430 Stream Player, an innovative stream player that turns any HDTV into an enhanced VIZIO Internet Apps Plus® (V.I.A. Plus) smart TV that incorporates the latest Google TV. The Stream Player allows consumers to access countless entertainment content and online services with web access through a fully capable Chrome browser, and to also enjoy photos, music and video stored on any computer, hard drive or smart phone connected to a local network and/or the cloud.*

With the VAP430 connected to an HDTV over an HDMI cable, users can quickly and seamlessly access content and services from their favorite apps and websites using the included Bluetooth premium universal remote control with integrated touchpad. In addition to movies, TV shows and music on demand, the VAP430 lets users search the web for even more entertainment options using the Flash-capable Chrome browser.

"We're excited about what Google TV brings to our new VAP430 Stream Player," says Matthew McRae, VIZIO's Chief Technology Officer. "This isn't just an ordinary streaming box that accesses a few predetermined video services. It's a true entertainment portal that opens up everything the Web has to offer, as well as all the content consumers already have stored on computers and hard drives. And the incorporation of Google TV and our V.I.A. Plus interface makes it all incredibly easy to setup and a joy to use."Read more

2012 CES Predictions


 CES logo

Another year, another CES. The huge consumer electronics extravaganza in Las Vegas that officially opens on January 10th looks to be a major showcase for tablets, TVs and connectivity this year. The 55-inch LG OLED TV is already getting a lot of buzz even though it's rumored $8,000 price tag will keep it in the fantasy realm for most consumers. We predict this will be the most photographed and talked about product at the show.

Android Tablets Will Make Another Run At the iPad

 Tablets This time last year Google was just about ready to ship its tablet-friendly version of Android called Honeycomb but even that didn't seem to help Android make a dent in Apple's iPad business. This year we have another version of Android called Ice Cream Sandwich which may or may not help the mainstream tablet vendors like Samsung, Sony, Toshiba and others attract buyers to their tablets. At the moment it looks like the two dominant tablet makers; Apple and Amazon won't even be exhibiting at CES. We also think we'll see tablets featured at a lot of booths as accessories to TVs and controllers for smart home technology. The word is we'll see close to 100 new tablets on display at this year's CES including some quad-core, Tegra 3, Kal-El-powered versions like Acer's Iconia Tab A700. Samsung's 5.3-inch Note, which represents a new size for tablets should be getting a lot of attention along with some tablets that might be running Microsoft's Windows 8.Read more

Sony Internet TV Gets Google TV Update, Adds Android Market


 Sony Internet TV with Android Market

Sony just announced a Google TV software update for Sony Internet TVs and the Sony Internet TV Blu-ray player. The new update rolls out this week and brings the Android Market to all connected Sony Internet TV devices, giving Sony Internet TV owners access to hundreds of apps.

The update also gives Sony Internet TVs a simpler and clean interface, improved performance, better search functionality to all currently installed Sony Internet TV and Sony Internet TV Blu-ray owners. Also, future owners of Sony Internet TVs and Blu-ray players will receive the update during the initial start-up installation. Other new benefits include better integration with Android and iOS devices, like smartphones and tablets.

In addition, an original Sony application - TrackID - will be available which searches and identifies music heard on television broadcasts, packaged media or streaming video.Read more

Best Buy Offers Free Geek Squad Set-Up with Google TV Purchase


 Sony NSX-24GT1

Best Buy announced this week that for a limited time customers who purchase a Sony Internet TV or Blu-ray player powered by Google TV will receive complimentary Geek Squad set-up and consultative services.

Products include:

Sony Internet HDTV Powered by Google TV: Featuring four LCD HDTVs with Google TV built-in, the Sony Internet TV line includes the 24-inch NSX-24GT1 ($599.99), the 32-inch NSX-32GT1 ($799.99), the 40-inch NSX-40GT1 ($999.99), and the 46-inch NSX-46GT1 ($1,399.99).

Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player powered by Google TV: The Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc player with Google TV built-in, NSZ-GT1 ($399.99), also lets you enjoy Google TV on your existing HDTV.Read more

Sony Unveils Internet TVs, Blu-ray Player with Google TV


 Sony NSX-24GT1

Sony on Tuesday introduced Sony Internet TV, powered by Google TV. Four models will be available and will feature HDTV, the ability to browse the web and apps.

Built on the Android platform, the TVs run Google's Chrome browser and have an Intel Atom processor, built-in Wi-Fi, as well as a feature called "Dual View" which allows you to watch TV while on the Internet. A hand-held RF QWERTY keypad remote with optical mouse is included, and select Android smartphones will be able to control the TV via an app (available later this fall).

The models also include Sony's streaming service "Video On Demand powered by Qriocity" as well as pre-installed apps including CNBC, Napster, NBA, Netflix, Pandora, Twitter, and YouTube.Read more

Logitech Announces Google TV Products


 Logitech Google TV Products

Logitech this week unveiled a line of products designed to work with Google TV. The lineup includes the Logitech Revue with Google TV, a plug-and-play companion box with Keyboard Controller, Logitech Mini Controller, the Logitech TV Cam and Vid HD service for HD video calling, as well as apps designed for the Google TV platform.

All are available for pre-order now on Logitech.com, Amazon.com and BestBuy.com, and are expected to be available by the end of October. The Logitech Revue with Google TV has an MSRP of $299.99, the Logitech Mini Controller will sell for $129.99, and the Logitech TV Cam is priced at $149.99.

"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." Read more

More Content Than Your Mind Can Hold


 Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory

"I've just decided to switch our Friday schedule to Monday, which means that the test we take each Friday on what we learned during the week will now take place on Monday before we've learned it. But since today is Tuesday, it doesn't matter in the slightest." Mr. Turkentine, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), Wolper Pictures Ltd.

We're not certain what the preoccupation is with TV, but firms beyond the old-fashioned content developers, producers, "shippers" have gone out of their way to say they have the solution you need/want!

First, there was the bi-annual IFA conference in Berlin. All of the consumer electronics folks gathered to spin their TV, video, whatever stories and show their wares.

That was followed by IBC in Amsterdam. There, the worldwide broadcast industry gathered to figure out how they were going to survive and make money with the growing demand for online video and audio content.Read more

Best Buy to Carry Google TV


 Google TV

Last week we told you about the new Google TV service coming to TVs this fall. Best Buy is the first retailer out of the box to announce that they will carry televisions with the service as soon as they become available.

"We are thrilled about the new and exciting experiences smart TVs, like Google TV, provide to our customers - and we are looking forward to showcasing those experiences in our store and ensuring customers get connected to all the products and services that bring those experiences to life," Brian Dunn, CEO of Best Buy said.

Stay tuned. We'll be sure to keep you updated on product news and availability dates.

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