Networks Block Web Programs From Being Viewed on Google TV

Google's market cap is 10 times CBS, 4 times Disney, and higher then GE's.

Why would any of these networks want to give away more content to google?

Google is a leach on companies. You Tube steals enough content from these networks already, why would they help Google make more money with no benefit to themselves?

All that the GoogleTV is doing is going to a web page where these companies are GIVING AWAY THEIR CONTENT FOR FREE.

But, since it's living room, the MPAA and broadcasters are sh*tt*ng a brick. They were doing the same thing with Hulu.

I'm sure something will get worked out, as Sony and Logitech are likely to see a return rate of close to 100%.

Real smart of these companies to limit their market.
Google is only helping them here by providing people yet another avenue to access the studios' content.

and David, YouTube doesn't "steal" content from those studios, users do. YouTube isn't the one uploading that content.

Actually, in many cases, it is the studios themselves uploading the content. One arm of the hydra does its own thing...

When people are watching network content on google the networks affiliates are losing advertising dollars. The networks can ill afford to lose those OTA affiliates revenue while waiting for internet tv to catch on. Also limited bandwidths will mean limited audience.

I don't get it. Are they going to announce something on network TV worth actually watching soon or something? Last I checked none of them were exactly wowing viewers.

This can work in two ways that I can think of.

One, if the networks implement an App to allow viewing of their content on a GoogleTV device then anything that the network chooses to provide is in the network's control. In this method, the network can choose to run advertising during playback. This is how the networks have it now... except you have go to their website in order to watch stuff. And in this scenario, it would be beneficial to the networks to have more people watch their content... if it's just an app click away through a googltv device, they will have more traffic than people sitting on their computer navigating to the website.

Two, if the content is on Google's servers and on google's bandwidth then the networks can charge Google on a per-play, contract, etc basis. In this case Google will put on their own advertising, and the networks will make their money by charging Google.

In either case, the networks will make more money because GoogleTV will generate more traffic to their content.

You are exactly right, whatever advertising the networks have on their webpage promoting this "free" viewing is still going to show up on the Google TV device, so they aren't loosing anything. Google has just punched another window into the same wall allowing viewing. It's ridiculous to think that the networks are gaining anything by doing this, in fact, they should promote it.

All the more reason to have a htpc instead of these set top boxes with restrictions.

I really don't get why the networks have such a problem with Google TV .. any PC with a broadband connection can get the content for free .. what possible benefit is it to them to block the access .. ?

How does this "cannibalize existing broadcast businesses" .. any more so than any other method of streaming .. ??

Yet any PC with a broadband connection can get the programming .. and there are a hell of a lot more PC's out there than Google devices ..

What is cool about the GooglTV device (at least the Revue that I know of) you can change your system profile in the settings so that websites see your device as a normal computer. In other words, when you change this setting, websites such as Hulu who restrict access to GoogleTV will be tricked into thinking it's just a regular computer and you can access the content.

there's always a way lol

Now that's some good intel

Unfortunately they can still block it. The set up with Google TV is pretty much the same as a mobile device (HTC Droid Incredible, etc.). At first I did have access to websites to view shows from all the major companies, until they decided to block them. Sure it's a mobile device but Google TV is one in the same. I understand you can trick the website into thinking you are a desktop/laptop but they still have a way to block you.
Example, I have a browser on my phone I sometimes use called Skyfire which let's you set between Android, desktop and default. Still doesn't work. My two cent anyways, unless someone can explain to me better how Google TV may have other ways around this I just don't see how this will work or even be successful in the long run, Google TV that is.
You are now starting to see independent providers that are teaming up with the big TV corp's where you have to pay monthly to view, like Mobile TV for at@t, vcast for verizon and others. These are typically 9.99 a month. Unless Google does this with there TV I see no success.

Two things I see coming out of this: Expect to pay 9.99 a month or internet TV will no long be available in the near future unless you pay. Google could have a lot to blame for this foreseeable future or who knows, maybe they are all in cahoots together to drive internet shows from being free!

And just to give you and idea of how messed up TV programming and providers are in general right now read this: A bit long though-(I can post links right?)
http://community.livejournal.com/ont...l/7138221.html

The Google TV blockade is utterly ridiculous .. most viewers use a PC in some form to stream the network content ..

The cats out of the bag at this point anyway .. streaming content is a convienience issue as well as a save some money issue .. network TV has always been free .. have these folks ever heard of an antenna .. ?

As with everything that's been done in the last 20 years, once it's out it's out .. the Web has never been able to be effectively controlled .. get it legit and free, or get it under the table and free .. folks find a way and the computer geeks figure out a way .. and soon the new free way is readily available to those that want it ..

The old business models are dying ..

I have a website I go to where I can view any and every show from my mobile(for free of course), so they are out there. Unfortunately the big corp's have ways to scare them into submission.
Another problem with internet is the whole HD thing, another topic though.

I wish they would legally do a torrent with say a 30 second commercial at the start of the show. Sure it would be re-posted without the ad but I think a lot of users would embrace a legal supplied torrent as long as the ads are not to intrusive.

I just think it's the networks being greedy. Not like you can blame them, you would do the same if your investors expect you the do what's best for them. With the current model they'll make money, but they just want to maximize this opportunity. They will eventually join as it is already obvious their opportunity cost for not doing so is much higher than their cost of entry.

I do things the old fashion way.

Extend my screen to my HDTV and surf and watch website news using my 2.4 ghz wireless keyboard and mouse.

Nobody is blocking this and no equipment to buy.

It's a great world we live in when extending your screen to your hdtv and using an ir blasting keyboard is "old fashioned"

While I think this is a great alternative to hardware like AppleTV or GoogleTV some of us keep our computer in a different office and like to keep clutter and input devices to a minimum.

I need then, just a stripped down, economical PC/ laptop, that I can use to access the internet, to get streaming video, to then port that to my big screen TV in the living room...