Google TV: Logitech Revue Coming in October, Connects to Your Cable Box and HDTV

Today Logitech unveiled the Logitech Revue with Google TV, a $299 device that brings Google TV to your existing HDTV. In addition to the Logitech Revue, the company also announced the Logitech TV Cam that let’s users video chat with friends and family and the Logitech Mini Controller for controlling your Google TV.

The Logitech Revue is what many users will call a Google TV box; it is a standalone piece of hardware that you put in your entertainment center and connect to your TV for a full on Google TV experience. The Logitech Revue retails for $299, which includes a slim wireless Logitech Keyboard that has a built-in trackpad.

Logitech Revue Google TV Box Hands On Video from Laptop Mag:

The Logitech Revue comes with a HDMI in port, HDMI out, 2 USB ports, WiFi, Ethernet, Optical Audio Out and IR blasters as shown below.

The Logitech Revue connects to your Cable or Satellite box by HDMI and with the included mini IR blasters can control your certain Google TV compatible Cable and Satellite boxes. A quick look at the list shows devices from Dish Network, Direct TV, Time Warner and others. This is something you won’t find with the Apple TV. It’s a good thing you can connect to your cable since even though the Logitech Revue has a full Google Chrome browser that supports Flash you can’t access Hulu, according to Laptop Mag. Though, there is always the possibility of a Hulu Plus App down the road.

Above you’ll see the keyboard that ships with the Logitech Revue; also in the box are the IR blasters that will be used to control your cable box. The Revue specifications note that the unit has Logitech Unifying technology so there is chance you can use any Logitech Unified receiver keyboard and mouse with the Revue.

The Logitech Revue with Google TV is available for pre order today for $299 and will ship later in October.

Logitech also announced an HD camera called the Logitech TV Cam which can connect you by video to friends and family using a Revue Box or on a Mac or PC with the Logitech Vid HD program installed. The Logitech TV Cam is up for pre order at $149 and shipping in October.

If you don’t want to use a big keyboard to control Google TV you can use the Logitech Mini controller, a smaller clamshell style device that looks easier to store on the armrest fo your couch. The Logitech Mini Controller is available for pre order for $129 shipping in October. Also, you can use an app for the iPhone or Android devices as a remote for the Logitech Revue.

At $299 the Logitech Revue is clearly past the impulse buy stage that it’s competitor the Apple TV clings to, but at the same time it looks like it will offer more flexibility and options for users. Only time will tell if users want those options, especially for an extra $200.

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