GoogleTV being F****ed by the Networks

[aaronwt]

Originally Posted by atmuscarella

Well they finally lowered the price so much I decided to give the Logitech Reveu a look see.

Just ordered a reconditioned unit from TigerDirect for $79.99 including shipping, after my Fatwallet 5% rebate the cost is down to $76 low enough for me to trash it if I don't like it.

Hopefully the upcoming software update will make this a great buy

Thanks,

the best thing in that price is the wireless Keyboard. The Keyboard is nice but they can't even get the audio over HDMI working properly.

[rainwater]

Google TV is ok. But as long as it requires a remote or keyboard with 100 buttons it is really useless. Even in the 2.0 navigation is complicated and inconsistent at best. I could never let any non geek in my house use it without wanting to smash it into pieces. Roku, Apple TV, and Boxee get this market. All of them have simple remotes than anyone can pick up and use without hours and hours of training.

[hefe]

I like the keyboard.

[dianebrat]

Originally Posted by rainwater

Google TV is ok. But as long as it requires a remote or keyboard with 100 buttons it is really useless. Even in the 2.0 navigation is complicated and inconsistent at best. I could never let any non geek in my house use it without wanting to smash it into pieces. Roku, Apple TV, and Boxee get this market. All of them have simple remotes than anyone can pick up and use without hours and hours of training.

Except it doesn't require the keyboard, they leverage the fact they own the Harmony remote line since it has GTV commands available and there's an iphone/android remote.

[hefe]

Originally Posted by dianebrat

Except it doesn't require the keyboard, they leverage the fact they own the Harmony remote line since it has GTV commands available and there's an iphone/android remote.

Yes, that's true. I can use my Harmony One to control it, and I do sometimes.

[davezatz]

Originally Posted by atmuscarella

the cost is down to $76 low enough for me to trash it if I don't like it. Hopefully the upcoming software update will make this a great buy

If nothing else, you'll have a Bluetooth keyboard with touchpad.

[RDK]

Originally Posted by davezatz

If nothing else, you'll have a Bluetooth keyboard with touchpad.

So are you saying that I can "repurpose" the GTV keyboard in my electronics graveyard as a wireless keyboard for the Android tablet that I'm hoping Santa brings me?

[aaronwt]

isn't the wireless keyboard sold separately for more than you paid for the Revue?

[tomm1079]

ok i bought it..been thinking about it for months and you guys pushed me over the edge with the 79 price..

another day another toy...

[atmuscarella]

Originally Posted by rainwater

Google TV is ok. But as long as it requires a remote or keyboard with 100 buttons it is really useless. Even in the 2.0 navigation is complicated and inconsistent at best. I could never let any non geek in my house use it without wanting to smash it into pieces. Roku, Apple TV, and Boxee get this market. All of them have simple remotes than anyone can pick up and use without hours and hours of training.

Actually I point people at the Roku when asked for the reasons you stated. I really have no need for any of these type devices (have an HTPC attached to my home theater) but I like stuff that I need to spend time in a learning curve so long has it works well after I learn how to use it. I thought given the pending software update and potential of this device it would be fun to play with for at least a little while. I will post back in a few weeks on how it works out.

[atmuscarella]

Originally Posted by tomm1079

another day another toy...

Tis the season

[Scyber]

Thats a very very tempting price for the revue.

[dlfl]

And even free shipping, assuming you can wait up to 9 days. These (Tiger Direct) units are refurbished BTW. I heard somewhere that most refurbished units were returns by customers who couldn't get them working properly or just didn't like them, but actually there is nothing wrong with them.

[rainwater]

Just be warned that Logitech isn't going to support this device anymore past 2.0. If I were buying another I would wait until the next gen come out or go with a Sony.

[hefe]

Originally Posted by rainwater

Just be warned that Logitech isn't going to support this device anymore past 2.0. If I were buying another I would wait until the next gen come out or go with a Sony.

They will support all devices until the warranty is over.

[unitron]

Originally Posted by atmuscarella

...low enough for me to trash it if I don't like it....

Well, if it comes to that you could let me have it to play with.

(it's not like there isn't enough stuff in landfills already)

[dlfl]

Originally Posted by rainwater

Just be warned that Logitech isn't going to support this device anymore past 2.0. If I were buying another I would wait until the next gen come out or go with a Sony.

This is misleading. They will not do any upgrades past GTV 2.0 but they have pledged to support existing devices. They are pushing out the Android 3.1 update right now with an announced completion date of 12 Dec 2011.

[rainwater]

Originally Posted by dlfl

This is misleading. They will not do any upgrades past GTV 2.0 but they have pledged to support existing devices. They are pushing out the Android 3.1 update right now with an announced completion date of 12 Dec 2011.

Yes, like I said, they are only going to support 2.0 (Android 3.1). So once Google updates the next gen devices to 4.0, the Revue will be stuck and app support will probably end up lacking in the next year or so as developers will be supporting 4.0 (since it works for tablets, phones, and tvs).

[Chris Gerhard]

Originally Posted by rainwater

Google TV is ok. But as long as it requires a remote or keyboard with 100 buttons it is really useless. Even in the 2.0 navigation is complicated and inconsistent at best. I could never let any non geek in my house use it without wanting to smash it into pieces. Roku, Apple TV, and Boxee get this market. All of them have simple remotes than anyone can pick up and use without hours and hours of training.

I am a non geek and can use the Revue easily as a result of the keyboard which allows me to find programming online and put it in my queue. Anybody in the house can access the queue to watch those programs, very simple to do. Little of the programming I stream is accessible by the Roku, Apple TV or Boxee and I have no idea why anybody recommends boxes so limited for the intended purpose, streaming video from the internet.

My two Revues haven't been updated yet but already do everything I had hoped for when I purchased them. Being a non geek might mean I won't find applications that are useful to me, I don't really have a feel for what Android 3.1 will add for me personally. As far as the networks blocking Google TV, I don't understand it since I would assume advertising funded programming requires viewers to succeed but for whatever reason, many networks do block Google TV. I don't care personally and use TiVo to watch most network programming since I can skip commercials.

[BrettStah]

Hmmm... a few questions:

1) Is the keyboard backlit?

2) Can the keyboard be used with a normal computer (Windows 7, for example)?

[Chris Gerhard]

Originally Posted by BrettStah

Hmmm... a few questions:

1) Is the keyboard backlit?

2) Can the keyboard be used with a normal computer (Windows 7, for example)?

No backlighting and the keyboard should work with anything that can accept the Logitech Unifying receiver connected by USB with the required software installed.

[BrettStah]

Originally Posted by Chris Gerhard

No backlighting and the keyboard should work with anything that can accept the Logitech Unifying receiver connected by USB with the required software installed.

Ok, cool. And that unifying receiver comes with the whole package deal?

[rcobourn]

Originally Posted by BrettStah

Ok, cool. And that unifying receiver comes with the whole package deal?

The receiver is built in to the revue. You can purchase one from logitech support for about $10.

[2004raptor]

Hmmm< i have a revue but I've never thought about using the keyboard with my Win7 PC. I also have a Logitech Performance MX mouse that I thought came with a usb unifying thingamajig. Would that work together? I know I can try it later this weekend just seeing if anyone knows?

[rcobourn]

Originally Posted by 2004raptor

Hmmm< i have a revue but I've never thought about using the keyboard with my Win7 PC. I also have a Logitech Performance MX mouse that I thought came with a usb unifying thingamajig. Would that work together? I know I can try it later this weekend just seeing if anyone knows?

Yes, that will work. You will need to download the unifying software to your Win7 PC to add the keyboard to your existing receiver. http://www.logitech.com/unifying.

[tomm1079]

Got my unit today! Found out Tiger direct has a shipping warehouse next city over.

First thoughts....really cool!

Im still at Android 2.1 but hoping for 3.1 over weekend.

i like the overlays and how it works. I have not explored it completely but i do like the fact i no longer have to change inputs to get a good amazon/netflix player

I did notice it sends all tivo commands with remote code 0. I just found a way to switch it so i am going to try that out. I have 2 tivos in the room and want the revue on remote code 1.

In case anyone wants to know how to change it:
Applications>Settings>Input Devices>Customize Controller Keys

[atmuscarella]

Well I order this on 12/8 and it was delivered on 12/13 not bad for free delivery. I have received notice of my Fatwallet rebate so my cost is $76. The only issue I have with TigerDirect is they list the warranty to be 12 months. It is really 90 days, which is what I would have expected for a refurbished product, but they really should fix their web page.

I have been down with a 48 hour bug so I really haven't played much with the actual Revue unit. I will say the paper instructions suck and assume way to much user knowledge. They don't even mention putting batteries in the key board which might seem like a given for us but wouldn't for many people. The unit did do an update to 3.1 right at the start, setup was easy for me but did take to long.

Will post more thoughts at a latter date.

[tomm1079]

Android 2 was ok but they really redefined this box with Android 3.

They actually moved everything to apps and they made it how i expected it to me from the start.

I really do like it. I loved the fact that i got a crappy football game on sunday locally and was able to tune into a better game online

[atmuscarella]

Originally Posted by tomm1079

Got my unit today! Found out Tiger direct has a shipping warehouse next city over.

First thoughts....really cool!

Im still at Android 2.1 but hoping for 3.1 over weekend.

i like the overlays and how it works. I have not explored it completely but i do like the fact i no longer have to change inputs to get a good amazon/netflix player

I did notice it sends all tivo commands with remote code 0. I just found a way to switch it so i am going to try that out. I have 2 tivos in the room and want the revue on remote code 1.

In case anyone wants to know how to change it:
Applications>Settings>Input Devices>Customize Controller Keys

I need to change the Remote Address code on the Revue also. Can you tell me how you did it? I have looked around the Customize Controller Keys and don't see what I would change.

Edit: tomm1079:I figured it out - if anyone needs detailed instructions let me know and I will post them.

Thanks,

[atmuscarella]

Well I said I would post back my thoughts so here goes:

The Logitech Revue with Google TV has amazing potential, however as a consumer appliance it is a failure.

The Revue is a consumer appliance failure for 2 primary reasons. The first is it violates the basic "you must be able to plug it in and use it" rule and second is because Logitech has stated they will not provide future updates so the potential of this device is limited.

I have actually enjoyed spending the time needed to figure out how to use all of this devices features. My Revue updated to the new 3.1 software at start up so my experience is only with the current and last software update. Because it tries to be many things it ends up not being the best at anything and not even good at many things.

1. Internet Streaming: You have your basics Netflix, Amazon and a few others. However both Roku and Boxee Box are easier and have more choices.
2. Universal Remote: Works to some extent but honestly you need a remote not a keyboard - you are better off with a harmony remote
3. Web browsing: Painful is the best way to describe the experience. This is not a mobile device no reason to put a mobile browser on it, there is plenty of real estate for tool bars. On a personal note I need a mouse. On the up side it has made me really appreciate my HTPC.
4. Playing "local" media: Limited but it works except as aaronwt has said the Revue messes with sound quality. I can live with it when it comes to a TV show but listening to music is really not acceptable.

The Revue is a great idea and had great potential. However it is an end of life product and is unlikely to be improved enough for me to recommend it to anyone. At $76 I am fine with my purchase but honestly you would be better off with a $99 Roku.

Google TV is however a different matter. I really do see potential and with the right hardware and feature set Google TV could still be a great product. My advise to Google is: Think; "Keep it simple stupid", consumer appliances need to be just that, a simple appliance that any person can use without thinking about it much.

Thanks,