Dish Network will market and sell Logitech International's Google TV set-top to subscribers for $179, plus an ongoing monthly fee -- versus the box's retail price of $300 -- promising integrated search across TV listings, DVR recordings and Internet content, as well as access to Web apps and video.
Logitech's Revue box, announced Wednesday, sits between a cable or satellite provider's set-top box and an HDTV, connected via HDMI cables. The included wireless keyboard has a touchpad for scrolling and "back" and "home" buttons for Web page navigation.
Dish is offering the Logitech Revue for $179. An additional $4 monthly fee will apply for subscribers to take advantage of the features integrated with Dish receivers (whether they buy a Google TV device at retail or through Dish).
Dish worked with Google to develop an IP-based proprietary protocol to allow the satellite operator's receivers to communicate with Google TV devices, to provide integrated search spanning Web and DVR content as well as Dish video-on-demand programming. The box will be compatible only with certain receiver models -- the ViP 622, 722 and 722k -- and requires a broadband Internet connection.
Earlier this week, Google announced content partnerships with cable programmers including Turner Broadcasting System, HBO and CNBC, and others including Netflix, Amazon.com and the National Basketball Association -- with broadcasters, including the Hulu joint venture, notably absent.
"The active communication between the Logitech Revue and Dish Network will allow for the development of applications which will continually enhance our TV service with Web content and data," Dish chief marketing officer Ira Bahr said in a statement.
The Logitech Revue with Google TV includes a companion box and a Logitech Keyboard Controller to provide the Google TV experience for households that have an HDMI-ready television and set-top box.
Logitech also is selling an optional "Mini Controller" for the Revue set-top, a 6-by-3.5-inch keyboard, touchpad and remote control combo, with a list price of $130.
In addition, the company's Logitech TV Cam (list price $150) is designed to make high-definition video calls on TV in up to 720p resolution, using an app that comes preinstalled on the Revue. Cisco Systems on Wednesday announced the "umi" HD home videoconferencing system, priced at $599.
Logitech's Google TV products are expected to be available online and in Best Buy stores across the U.S. by the end of October. In addition to being bundled with the Logitech Revue, the Keyboard Controller will be available for purchase separately to work with other Google TV devices with a suggested retail price of $100.
More info about Dish's Google TV offering is at www.dishnetwork.com/googletv.
