Details are showing up all over the Internet with Google's official unveiling of their Google TV platform.

I'm a self-confessed Google fanboy, but I honestly can't think of how this would fit into my entertainment. If someone had a cable box with HDMI out, it could be nice. I head Dish Network is also integrating the front end into the DVRs, and Sony is putting it into their TVs.

But with a PS3, plus file server, being the center of my viewing world, and without cable, the Google TV doesn't add enough for me.

A couple more links:

The announcement: http://googletv.blogspot.com/2010/10/here-comes-google-tv_04.html

A quick video (included in the post above): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDeX_oIfEeQ

I agree Chris I don’t see this being a game changer for me either.

I think the coolest thing about it is the web and TV sumultanaeity.

I remnember reading an article in Sports Illustrated about 20 years ago that promised flat screens in every room the size of picture windows, with live content, interspersed with data and analysis (think web stats). We were part way there with HTPCs, which permitted an ad hoc TV window and a web browser, but that is a complicated issue, indeed (see the recent HTPC thread on the many issues facing HTPC'ers).

GoogleTV seems to weave the two worlds quite nicely. Now, if only it would work with content other than that provided by DirectTV...

It also works with local cable. The idea is that you connect the HDMI out of the cable box/DVR into the Google TV box (at least the Logitech Revue). Then you connect the IR interface of the Revue into your DVR/tuner. Then you can use the Google TV search interface to find things to watch. Once you find what you want it'll tune in the right channel. When connected to a compatible DVR it can index the programs stored there, and queue up what ever you want to watch, or schedule new recording. The HDMI in goes into a video processor that enables the pic-in-pic.

Actually the Logitech Revue is Harmony enabled so any device that a Harmony remote can control, it can too, along with being able to pull the codes directly from the Internet.

I just wonder how useful it'd be without cable. It can do Netflix and Amazon Unboxed, and I'm sure Hulu Plus and every other streaming service will be coming soon.

I can see how some people may really love this, but I'll wait and see. Being able to control everything via Harmony with my Android phone might be...unique.

Sounds complicated.

It may be difficult to hook up (that's what geeky friends/family/neighbors are for), but the interface looks pretty slick once it's up and running. Then you can control everything from one remote (with a keyboard and touch pad for Internet browsing) like the rest of Logitech's Harmony line.