Google TV

This week, Sony announced the launch of its new Google TV set-top box, the NSZ-GS7 Internet player, giving us one more option for watching TV and movies minus the cable box. If you'd like to shift content from your small-screen laptop to the giant flat-screen in your living room, then there are now plenty of options available. Check out these five popular picks to see which player suits your viewing habits best:

1. Sony NSZ-GS7 — Powered by Google TV, the Android-based device will hit retailers nationwide on July 22 for $199. The Internet player includes a two-sided remote — one side includes a touch pad and the other features a keyboard — and users can use their own voices to search for content.
2. Apple TV — Thanks to iCloud, Apple TV allows all your purchases (music, movies, TV shows, photos) to instantly stream on your big screen. The AirPlay feature also lets you stream movies and TV from your iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.
3. Xbox Live — Take your Xbox 360 online via Xbox Live. The free membership allows you to rent or buy HD movies, while the paid Xbox Live Gold subscription offers access to Netflix, HBO Go, and Hulu Plus, plus special video chat options.
4. Roku — As the original streaming player, Roku is a basic, user-friendly way to access your existing media subscriptions. Even better? Starting at $49, it's a smart, affordable option.
5. PlayStation Network — The free PlayStation Network subscription serves as an all-access pass to several gaming and entertainment services, from Netflix to Hulu Plus to Amazon Instant Video. Bonus: the console doubles as a Blu-ray player.

Do you have a favorite way to watch TV? Share in the comments below!

We kicked off CES press day this morning with LG, who is introducing a wide array of products in the TV, smartphone, and smart appliance categories. The product that caught my attention, though, was the "world's largest, lightest, and thinnest" 55-inch OLED TV, pictured here. It's quite stunning, even from 20 rows back in the conference room where I was sitting, and for good reason: its contrast ratio is 50 times greater than that of LED/LCD display panels.

LG also announced the Magic Remote. This remote will include your usual buttons, a scroll wheel, and voice recognition, but will be boosted by a 3D gesture interface. The 3D interface panel sits on top of your TV, allowing you to use your body to choose channels and programs with a swipe of your hand. Sound familiar? Yes, it's like Kinect for TV browsing.

Google TV's remote app for Android launched late last year, and now there is finally an iOS app, too. The free app works via your home's WiFi network and runs on the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.

The app allows you to fully control your Google TV with quick access to DVR recordings and show guides and information. Search and change channels, view the home screen, bookmark content, even use voice search to find what you're looking for. Use the circular center pad to navigate menus and content by touch.

Anyone in the room who is connected to your home WiFi network and has the app can use it to control the Google TV; let the channel-changing pranks commence. Download the iOS app free from the App Store.

Although the Google TV has run into its fair share of problems since it launched earlier this year, that hasn't stopped Google from releasing a new update that brings a few new features into focus. And even though it's been rumored that Google has asked partner manufacturers to hold off on releasing new hardware until after CES, we can look forward to these updates on our current set-top boxes and smart TVs. Check them out after the break.

Ah, the joys of Google TV. The magic set-top box can bring the Internet to your TV, and also allow you to browse available shows and clips from around the Internet in one clean interface . . . well, that's what it was supposed to do, anyway.

It seems that not all is going well for Google's new TV system, as major cable networks are lining up to block Google TV's access to their sites. ABC, CBS, NBC, SyFy, Hulu, and now FanCast are all blocked for Google TV users, which means the simple interface that searches web, video, and cable content will come up with fewer search results. Want to watch The Office? You're out of luck if you want to use your Google TV to do so from NBC's site or Hulu. But there is a way to avoid this problem altogether. Find out how, after the break.

Hype is growing ahead of the Google TV launch, especially after its official site unveiling and Logitech's announcement detailing its lineup of Google TV set-top boxes and accessories. Adding to the hype is Sony Insider, who leaked the rumored price list of the upcoming Sony Google TV family.

Starting at $1,300 for a 32-inch screen and running all the way up to $1,900 for the large 46-inch size, these sleek TVs will be Internet- and Google TV-ready, packed with an Intel processor so you can surf the web without the need for any other device. There are no additional details on the TVs other than the price, and while I've been as excited for the Google TV experience as the next gal, I don't think I could bring myself to shell out $1,300 for a 32-inch TV.

Is it just me, or does that sticker price seem way too high? Granted, Google TV will easily streamline your content viewing experience at home, but why shell out this kind of dough for something you can already do on your home computer? Maybe Google TV is just losing its sheen for me. What about you? Let me know how you feel about Google TV and all its branded products in the comments.

Update: Sony Insider has updated their reported pricing structure on the TVs, with the 46-inch model now being priced at $1,399 instead of the $1,900 as stated earlier.

As Google TV prepares for its official launch, Logitech unveiled its anticipated Logitech Revue with Google TV, a compact companion box with controller providing easy access and control over your Google TV experience.

The Logitech Revue connects to your TV and cable box through HDMI ports and walks you through a quick, onscreen setup process. The included keyboard controller allows you to navigate between web content and shows, as well as dual cable and web viewing. Included with the box is a keyboard and touch pad controller, which lets you adjust your TV's volume, change channels on your cable box, and access your DVR.

In addition to the main box, Logitech also announced two great accessories, plus apps for your phone. Find out more after the break.