Logitech Revue Companion Box With Google TV and Keyboard Controller [updated]
Summary
The Logitech Revue Companion Box with Google TV and Keyboard Controller is a TV media player, built on the Google TV software, that brings all of your cable/satellite TV and internet content together for viewing on your TV. It transforms an ordinary TV set into a smart TV, able to browse the internet and tune in to hundreds of movies, web applications, and HD-primed shows. Everything is under your fingertips because the device comes with its on keyboard controller.
Update: In early August 2011, Logitech dropped the price of the Revue from more than $200 to $99. Logitech reported that sales were lower than expected and that they were getting more units returned from retailers than the retailers were actually selling!
Price $99.99 [big price drop - August 2011]
Sample Customer Quotes from Amazon
“Works well and excedeed most of my expectations”
” One of the most useful products at home”
“A great way to update your flatscreen TV to a Smart TV”
Features
You may have a good flat screen TV but if this is not connected to the web, then you’re still lagging behind. But, the Logitech Revue Companion Box with Google TV and Keyboard Controller can make up the lost time for you. This device can easily turn your TV into a smart one that offers seamless access to the internet, along with a lot of Android apps. The Logitech Revue is not a choosy piece of technology because it works well with your existing HDTV and satellite or cable system. Unlike other TV media players, the Google TV system does not attempt to replace your cable service; rather, it integrates your cable service with content that is available on the internet, and presents them together in a single package.
This means you don’t have to switch devices or inputs in order to access content from varied sources. The Logitech Revue has a unique feature, called the Dual view, which allows that user or viewers to simultaneous watch shows and other content from the regular cable TV and the Internet. You can now enjoy TV shows, apps, movies, and other websites in one device—your HDTV on steroids. The multifunctional device also offers free automatic updates that adds new functionality and features to your multimedia system. For example, you can use pre-loaded apps like Netflix, Twitter, Amazon Instant Video, and CNBC.
The Logitech Revue has its own compact keyboard for added functionality. It has several functions to choose and use—from typing, to searching, and even rewinding. It also serves as a wireless remote control and touch pad in one compact device. This high tech keyboard works well with other entertainment devices that you don’t have to worry about compatibility and connectivity.
All this device needs is an HDTV with HDMI port, satellite or cable box with HDMI out, subscription to your local satellite or cable company, and a high-speed Internet connection. Its dimensions are 16.4 x 8.2 x 3.6 inches and weighs at 4.4 pounds.
One significant shortcoming of this device is not one of technology but of licensing. As of the time of print, major networks are preventing Google TV devices from accessing their content. This could change at any time with a new business arrangement. In the meantime, however, it means that Logitech Revue users cannot access content from Hulu, NBC, ABC and so on.
The Logitech Revue is fairly expensive at over $200 – about twice what you would pay for similar products from Roku, Boxee or Apple.
Play Your Video Files on Your TV
| Play your own video files (in popular formats such as .avi or .mkv) | Yes |
| Maximum screen resolution | 1080p |
| Hard drive storage | No |
| Wirelessly stream content from anywhere on your home network | Yes |
| Attach a USB drive | Yes |
Online Services
| Access Netflix (subscription required) | Yes |
| Access content from iTunes (account required) | No |
| Access content from Amazon on Demand (subscription required) | Yes |
| Access HD movies from Vudu (subscription required) | No |
| Access MLB, NBA, NHL (subscriptions required) | Yes |
| Access Hulu+ (subscription required) | No |
| Access Pandora (subscription required) | Yes |
| Browse the Internet | Yes |
| Use dedicated Apps (such as Facebook, YouTube, Flickr, …) | Yes |
Conclusion
Logitech Revue integrates TV and Web functions and features seamlessly. It works well with other entertainment devices and its features and functionality, including many apps, can be updated for free over-the-air. For some, the keyboard is quite small, but this little detail can be overlooked because it has many uses, such as typing, searching, and even rewinding. It is a pricier than the others of the same class, but its integration with the web is a step further than anyone else has been able to go.
Tagged: Google TV, Logitech Revue
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I was initially sceptical that the keyboard would be anything but a disaster for controlling my STB, TV, and the Revue, but it’s actually what I like most about the device. Once you get used to it, it’s powerful, a lot quicker than using numerous remotes, and text entry is obviously very easy. The integrated track pad is also perfectly fine for what it does. It’s actually so good that I wanted to hook it up to my home theater PC, but I think it uses some non-Bluetooth radio interface. That’s fine, and not a shortcoming of the Revue. You have to hook up an IR blaster to control your various devices, which feels a bit hacky and inelegant to me, but it does work, so I don’t mind.