Want a Google TV? You won’t be seeing ABC, NBC, or CBS shows

Some people have been heralding the Apple TV as revolutionary, while others think the Google TV might be the better option. If you prefer Google TV and you’re planning on streaming television directly off the internet, you might want to think again. ABC, NBC, and CBS have started blocking video streaming from their websites to Google TVs. They’re the first to block content, and it’s sounding like Viacom and Fox might be joining them shortly.

If streaming television shows from the internet is the future, it’s pretty clear that the major networks don’t want that capability extended to televisions. It’s a pretty lame move by the television networks, and someone needs to tell these executives that a 27-inch monitor attached to a computer isn’t much different than a television. Anyway, I digress.

So what does this mean for the Apple TV? We’re not completely sure, Apple’s model is clearly focused on “renting” shows, but AirPlay seems to be threatening that model before it even gets released. If NBC, ABC, and CBS have all decided to block Google TV connections, there’s probably a good possibility that we won’t be seeing AirPlay coming to the CBS app any time soon.

This is where things get interesting, though. In Canada, CityTv.com has clearly been working on integrating AirPlay technologies into their applications, which just happens to also stream content from major US networks. I’ve got a feeling that this is going to get a lot uglier before it gets better.

From my perspective, the more I use Netflix the more I’ll be relying on that service over cable. If these major networks don’t get their crap together soon, a lot of people will be leaving them behind entirely. It’s not like there’s much worth watching on the BoobTube anyway.

Article Via Macworld