I’m sold on the Logitech Revue with Google TV. When it was introduced I doubted the concept of putting a full keyboard in the lap of a TV watcher, and I was unsure about integrating cable TV, but it all works and works well. But it’s complicated, and doesn’t really sing until you customize it. Once I realized it could do IR remote control throughout the room, and not just the RF for the keyboard, my last reservation gave way, because now the volume controls work with my ancient (8-year-old) Kenwood THX Dolby Digital receiver. Logitech’s hardware is great, as always, and only a few software improvements are needed:
- Add an app for Amazon Instant Video similar to the Netflix player
- Fix surround sound for Netflix and Amazon
- Rework the UI
That’s pretty much it for me. For most people, internet TV is the killer app, and the Roku HD for $60 is all they need for hardware. But if you’re accustomed to sitting with a netbook or laptop with the TV on, the Logitech Revue is a good deal for $200.