Techscape

Turn on, tune in, download

With every TV connected to the Internet, TV viewing will never be the same

Once capable of only flipping through channels, the TV has morphed from a single-purpose device into one that’s connected to the massive amount of information in cyberspace.

A new wave of products is revolutionizing the way you use your TV—just like your phone was transformed by tapping into the Internet. Geeks have long known about this convergence of TVs and the Internet. In university I connected my computer to a cable feed and recorded online and cable content. That was nearly 10 years ago. And, for several years now, even Microsoft has sold Windows Media Center, software installed on your computer and connected to your TV. Other companies like Boxee and TiVo provide hardware solutions—Internet-enabled devices that you plug directly into your TV. But these solutions haven’t quite cracked past the geeks and made it into the mainstream market.

Enter Google and Apple. These two tech giants intend to make their devices as mainstream as their Android and iPhone cousins. The approach? Provide an all-in-one device that’s so simple, even the biggest Luddite can use it. Oh, and the kicker—make these devices extensible (that’s geek speak for a system designed for future growth), so that third-party providers can develop value-adding apps.

Imagine downloading an app that displays movie showtimes and previews for nearby theatres—on your TV. Imagine chatting with an overseas friend via video phone—on your TV. Imagine an app that creates a slideshow of your Facebook photos—on your TV. Imagine an app that allows you to watch the Superbowl, choose the camera angle, view any stats and listen to your favourite broadcaster—all on your TV. The beauty of such a platform is that the possibilities are virtually endless, bound only by the thousands of people creating apps and solutions for these open devices. And yet it’s simple to use.

Currently, Apple and Google have TV-connected devices, but they lack the open ability to download apps. (Only a matter of time…) The devices are relatively inexpensive (Apple TV starts at $119; Google TV devices range from about $300 for a box to use with your HDTV or more for a standalone,

Internet-ready TV) and their features—so far—are modest:
Apple TV PRO: Connects your TV to iTunes, a few other Apple-approved websites, and allows you to view movies and photos available on your home network right on your TV. CON: The streaming video store for renting movies has a limited selection.

Google TV PRO: Connects to web services and content through apps. CON: Although the hardware is impressive, the software has some rough spots, and the TV networks have curbed value by blocking access to free shows online These latest devices are just a hint of the future—aglow in a shade of green that represents the billions of dollars in possible revenue. Showtimes, video conferences, slideshows, interactive sports events and other as-of-now unimagined usages will all be available on your 52-inch LED HDTV. Your viewing experience will never be the same.  

Words | David Quail