I wanted to like Logitech's GoogleTV

Days before the launch of the Logitech Revue, Logitech's set-top box running the Android platform and GoogleTV, I was still going back and forth on whether or not it was something I needed wanted. Thanks to some convincing (read low risk buying) by Amazon, I went ahead and pre-ordered the device for it to arrive on the official release day.

Like most new gadgets, it was exciting to unpack and setup the device. While it wasn't intended to completely replace any other existing device in my setup, it did add a few more cables and resulted in the need for another power strip...this better be worth it.

Here is a rundown of the equipment currently connected:

- LED TV with its own apps, like Amazon Videos
- HDMI switching receiver
- Blu-ray player with Netflix, Pandora, and the other standard apps you see on players
- XBox 360
- Wii
- Motorola HD Cable Box
- Apple wireless extender for AirTunes

The GoogleTV seemed like a great addition. It would have a place between the receiver and the cable box, essentially enhancing the cable programming experience, or so I thought.

After everything was plugged in, I began the Logitech setup process. Very streamlined, nice controls, the system updated itself, then we reached the cable programming integration. I entered the information requested on the different pieces of hardware connected in the setup and was asked to verify the tv picture. All was great, except that the image kept blinking and the audio would drop in and out. I thought maybe it was just part of the setup, so I continued on and finished the setup process.

Damnit. The cable signal is still dropping in and out.

I spend some time researching and finally find some information on the Logitech website regarding compatible set-top cable boxes. Mine is not listed on the compatible or incompatible list, but with more digging, I find that it is similar to a model that has a limitation that will ultimately start the return process.

The limitation is that the cable box limits the number of downstream HDMI devices to 2. What does this mean? Well, each device that is connected in the path from the source all the way to the display is counted as a down stream device. I had 3. After the cable box, I had the GoogleTV Logitech device, the Receiver and then the TV.

Removing the HDMI path from the Logitech device is not an option, since it only supports HDMI (and optical for sound), and removing the HDMI at any other point causes problems with my current setup. It was important that I had only 1 cable from the receiver to the TV and that the receiver could handle all of the inputs itself.

I did end up finding a work around using an extra HDMI cable and input on the TV and an optical cable from the Logitech device to the receiver, but this completely changed how streamlined all my devices were working previously and turned out not to be a good solution.

Hardware configuration aside, I was ready to give the GoogleTV a fair chance. The overall interface is fine, it was definitely nicer than the terrible 1980s interface that Time Warner provides with it's devices. I was able to access the DVR and the Guide with no problem using the Logitech keyboard remote. The remote also successfully controlled the TV and the receiver, although now each device required a separate power on/off. Before, I could simply hit one button to turn everything on and off.

All things considered, the most noticeable features for the device seemed to be some randomly selected internet video content that was featured for me, a few GoogleTV apps that I already had 2 or 3 times on other devices, and keyboard remote control, which was nice for typing in my wireless password and browsing the web.

Except, I don't want to browse the web on my tv. The web browser was a little slow, but still faster than browsers on other devices you may already have tied to your tv. Even on a 55-inch tv that I sit 6 feet from, it was still hard to read some text. Regardless, this sort of setup is not ideal for browsing the web and you won't use it unless you have something specific that you want to navigate to and show on the tv, plus you probably have your laptop sitting close by anyway.

After trying out everything the device had to offer, I ended up sending the Revue back. I realize the apps haven't been released and that the best is yet to come, but I don't believe this particular device fit into my existing setup and with as fast as technology changes, I'll want a newer, more capable device when the apps eventually do start being released for GoogleTV. For now, it feels like a lightly updated WebTV.

Now, I believe that the GoogleTV is going to be about the apps, just like your phone. You likely use the apps on your phone more than you make calls, or even send text messages on it. I think the real opportunity will be in figuring out ways to use the TV, just like we did with the phone.

Some things that I will look for in a future device:

1. Ability to have profiles. This is important. I share the TV and there is no reason we both can't have personalized settings for times when we are not both using the device.

2. A Guest mode. I found that both my Google and Amazon accounts we left signed in and anyone visiting could accidentally order things from my accounts.

3. A backlit keyboard. You'll understand when your only remote for the TV is a wireless keyboard that you can't see while sitting on the couch (you can use the iOS or android apps on another device to control also).

4. Let me get rid of my cablebox all together. Some USB storage and a cablecard would go a long way toward making this happen. It would also solve the problems that others will likely have with incompatible hardware.

5. An app that allows me to take what I'm looking at on my computer and push it over to my TV. I think we will see this soon when the apps start showing up on Google TV.

It's good to see someone pushing to improve the traditional tv experience in the living room. It will also make it easier to cut the cord on cable as more content providers create their own "channel" apps. Maybe this will convince the cable companies to get off their butts and provide a decent product and a reasonable price that has better customer service.