The Google TV system merges broadcast TV and Internet TV into a simple combined system that can allow a user to manage all their home media using TV remote controls or smartphones (iPhones and Android phones). The initial proposed Google TV system is a hybrid system which combines satellite TV (Dish Network) with Internet TV (OTT).

The system was developed through the cooperation and combined efforts of Google, Intel, Sony and Logitech [1]. The Google TV (GTV) system is based on open source (free to use) Android software which allows TV Widgets (such as Facebook) to be easily adapted from Android mobile telephones, and used on standard television sets when the Google TV set top box (from Logitech) is used.

Figure 1 shows the basic structure of the Google TV system. This example shows that the Google TV system combines Broadcast TV (Dish TV) with Internet Video (YouTube, Hulu, Amazon). The user

can utilize a Google TV set top box (GTB) or a connected TV (not shown). The STB uses the open source Android operating system (also used in mobile devices) which allows for the use of applications (TV widgets). The user has access to both broadcast TV and Internet media through a common user interface (UI). This system has downloaded a social network application widget program which allows the viewer to communicate with their friends through the television. Some of the controls that can be used with the GTB include traditional TV remote controls or a remote control application that is installed on Android smart phones. The entire system can be coordinated and controlled by Google which can list, manage and organize the delivery of video, advertising messages and software applications.

The Google TV system simplifies TV viewing by adapting many different video systems (broadcast and Internet video) and technologies to form one common interface which can be accessed on a famil

Figure 2, Google TV Interface. (Source: Google) A screenshot of the Google TV System. Google TV is based on the Android platform and runs the Google Chrome web browser.

iar television set. Viewers can easily switch between TV viewing and Internet browsing.

The Google TV system updates the Android operating system which allows application software developers for the Android phone to adapt their programs for use on TV sets (such as social network widgets, weather widgets and gaming widgets). 

The Google TV system utilizes a familiar user interface (Google Chrome) which also allows TV viewers to search the web for video content. In addition to broadcast and on demand media, the Google TV system also allows viewers to run software applications (such as ThinkFree Office) and use traditional control devices (such as traditional TV remotes), keyboards and even Android smart phones that have TV remote applications installed (communicating by Wi-Fi).

The broadcast TV service for Google TV will be initially provided through Dish Network but the options will expand to other TV broadcasters in the future. Set top boxes (such as the one from Logitech shown below) can be used and stand alone TVs (connected TVs) will also be available. Viewers will be able to watch streaming 

video from leading content platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, and YouTube [2]. The Google TV will also include home media search capability to help viewers quickly organize their favorite content and personalize their TV viewing experience. Google TV is planning for these devices to be made available through retailers (such as Best Buy). 

References:

1."Google TV throws down the gauntlet", May 21, 2010. http://www.mediaspy.org/report/2010/05/21/
google-tv-throws-down-the-gauntlet/. 
2."Google, Intel, Logitech and Sony Join Together to Deliver Google TV Platform", May 20, 2010, http://www.logitech.com/en-us/1007/
7141?WT.ac=gtv|7114|watchtheannouncement

Figure 3, Google TV Set Top Box (Source: Logitech) The Logitech Revue will provide the easiest way to bring the Google TV experience to the current installed base of HDTVs.