IP Camera Viewer
This is a general Android app that I installed to see if it worked. I use it on my Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 Android devices to see the video streams from my IP cameras and recommend it highly. This app works just fine on the Google TV, and turns my 60” TV screen into the perfect viewing platform for my IP cameras. Full PTZ controls are available, and it sure is nice to be able to see these camera feeds on the big screen.
IMDb:Google TV
This excellent app allows you to search movies and TV shows and to access information about them, as well as movie times at local theaters. It can be handy when you see an actor, can’t remember their name and want to look that up while watching TV.
YouTube:Google TV
The Google TV app for YouTube is well-done, allowing for full access to your videos and subscriptions. It is also very easy to search for new content. In addition, YouTube running on the Android phone or tablet in my house can switch viewing to the Google TV YouTube app without requiring the registration of the device, and it works very well, extending the integration between the Android phone/tablet and the TV.
Netflix: Google TV
Netflix is available and works as a native app. I don’t use Netflix, but if you do, it is available for this platform.
Overall, there are plenty of decent applications that will run on Google TV. The lack of a competent DLNA client with support for h.264 video/AAC3 encoded content is a miss, but if you are running a Plex media server, that miss is less relevant.
Universal Remote Function
One of the goals that I had for this device was to replace the multiple controllers piled up in my home entertainment system. The system was purchased in 2007, and consists of a Sony 60” TV, a PS3, an XBOX, a Sony receiver, and a DIRECTV satellite box. It would be great if this Google TV device could at least control the satellite box, the TV and the receiver as it would make it simpler for the rest of the family to watch live TV. Alas, the age of my system meant that the model numbers were not in the Sony database for this device, meaning that it really does not control these elements of the home entertainment system. Usually, the TV fails to respond to commands, and so I can’t use this as a universal remote for my system. If your setup is newer, you should have better luck, but your mileage will vary.
Overall Evaluation
The Sony Internet Player With Google TV provides smart TV capabilities to your non-smart TV. With access to Google Play video and music content, as well as Sony’s music and video content, Chrome browser and a good collection of Android apps to extend the experience, including Netflix, this is a very useful device. Not bundling a DLNA player with support for common video formats is a miss, and Sony’s database of supported hardware for the universal remote function could use some additions, but overall this is a solid device. If you are already using either Sony or Google offerings for video and music, this is a pretty compelling device. Honestly, I went into this purchase expecting to be disappointed, but was pleasantly surprised with the ownership experience. I give this product a 4/5 Silver Award. A bundled DLNA player that properly supports h.264/AAC3 content would have pushed this to a 5/5. I purchased this at Best Buy and paid $199, but keep an eye open for sales; it is currently available directly from Sony for $149.99.
