I just Tweeted a link to the New York Times story about Google TV’s announcement yesterday to deliver content via Web-connected televisions and set top boxes.
The major networks—ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC—are not involved in the Google TV deal just yet, but Time Warner’s HBO and Turner Broadcasting are on board, as are CNBC, Twitter, Netflix and Amazon.
The benefit of Google TV for viewers, as I see it, is the ability to surf and view virtually any piece of Web-based content from the comfort of the couch, while interacting with friends and strangers of like interest at the same time. I’d also envision technologies similar to those created by ESPN on its 360 site, which enable viewers to “customize” their viewing experience by choosing camera angles and accessing related content, such as player stats.
The battle will come down to content copyrights and advertising revenue. Expect major lawsuits over the former and some sort of amicable compromise on the latter.
But rest assured, your TV and your home computer will someday be the same appliance.
Meanwhile Back at the Ranch is written by Bill Patterson, president of Kansas City, Mo.-based Nation Ranch, a strategic consulting firm specializing in brand management, public relations and crisis communications.
