CES 2011: TVs at CES 2011 Google TV on the Logitech Revue

We’ve heard an awful lot about Google TV in recent months, but due to it being US only at present CES 2011 is the first chance we’ve had to get up close and personal with a Google TV device. Here are our first impressions.

The Google TV device in question was the Logitech Revue, a set-top box style device intended as an upgrade for your existing TV. If you prefer the idea of a built-in solution, Sony’s Google TV might be the better option – we’ll report on that soon.

In essence, though, both use the same basic hardware – they’re based on an Intel chipset that can play 1080p and Flash video flawlessly, and is no slouch at rendering web pages, either.

Smart design, easy to use

Logitech rarely fails to deliver well-designed products, and the Revue is no exception. The box is small, simply designed and clad in black to match the majority of AV equipment. It’s not trying to be flash or clever; it’s just discreet and stylish.

It’s the keyboard where Logitech’s expertise really comes to the fore. It’s the primary mode of control for the Google TV interface, and it’s very intuitive. 

On the far right is a small laptop style touchpad, below which sits four-way control with an ‘OK’ nestled in the middle. All the buttons have a nice action to them, and are logically laid out, and the keyboard’s keys also aid fast and error-free typing. Consequently using the Google Chrome browser – a cut-down version – is a breeze.

If you want something a bit smaller, Logitech also sells a more compact controller with a clamshell lid.

Internet and TV combined

Of course the selling point of Google TV is its combination of Internet TV on your real TV and the enhancement of standard TV with internet functionality.

Unfortunately the Logitech Revue doesn’t have a tuner built-in, instead you must connect a tuner box from an established network – in the US it’s the DISH TV network.

This is a tad inconvenient, but the integration seems – in our brief time with the Revue – quite effective. Live TV will run in the background when the Google TV interface is up, and you can see ‘What’s On’ inside the Google TV interface too.

Fast and simple interface

As for the interface itself, it’s very simple and easy to use. There’s a menu running down the left, and a larger viewing area to the right that displays lists and grids as appropriate. Speed is rarely a problem – menus load quickly, there’s no lag in the navigation, and it’s quickly obvious how things work.

Where the challenge lies, and what Google TV has been criticised for thus far, is simply the amount of quality content available. The basics for a strong device are definitely here, but there aren’t enough Internet TV services on it to justify the outlay. Nonetheless there is potential, so we hope it hits the UK this year and look forward to comparing it to the upcoming YouView service.