DirecTV subscribers can subscribe to the amazing Google TV service. Google TV offers subscribers TV programming, web content, movies on demand, and much more. It is a joint venture of Google, Intel, Sony and Logitech. It is actually a smart TV platform for set-top boxes and HDTVs based on the Android operating system. By adding Google TV to DirecTV’s satellite service, subscribers can access web content right on the TV screen along with other TV shows. But to access this service, subscribers have to meet some requirements in terms of devices, settings, etc. This article gives a brief overview on the ways to access this TV on DirecTV.

DirecTV satellite service works with Google TV and Google TV devices. This includes devices from Logitech Revue and Sony. In addition to devices, subscribers need to meet a few other requirements to access Google TV on the TV screen. The requirements are as listed below.

• broadband internet service
• An HD-DVR or HD receiver
• An HDMI cable to connect the HD-DVR or HD receiver to the Google TV or Smart TV device.
• A router with an available port or a wireless router.

The above requirements can be easily met. But for Google TV or Smart TV devices, subscribers need to opt for Logitech Revue or Sony devices. Below is a brief explanation of these devices and the necessary connections.

Logitech Revue devices: There are a number of Logitech Revue devices that can be used to access Google TV in a variety of ways. However, mainly two devices are needed. They are:

• Logitech Revue Companion Box
• Logitech Keyboard Controller Review

The Companion Box integrates the satellite decoder, TV and Internet service. Home Internet service, HD-DVR or HD receiver, and TV must be connected to the Logitech Revue Companion box. As mentioned above, an HDMI cable must be used to connect the HD-DVR or HD receiver to the Logitech Revue Companion box. On the other hand, subscribers can connect home Internet service to the Companion box using a router or wireless router. But Logitech Revue devices are compatible with certain models of DirecTV HD-DVRs or HD receivers. Some of them are HR20, HR21, HR22, HR23, HR24, H20, H21, H23, H24, R16.

After connections, if subscribers cannot control the DirecTV satellite receiver, they need to check the receiver settings. Sometimes receivers are set to receive only radio frequency signals. In that case, the receiver must be set to receive infrared (IR) signals. To change receiver subscribers, you need to follow the steps below.

• On the original DIRECTV remote, press the Menu button.
• From the menu, press Select under Settings.
• Select Remote Control in the menu on the left.
• Press Select on the IR/RF Settings button.
• Use the up or down arrows to change from RF to IR.
• Press Select to save

It is important to note that Revue should be able to control the DirecTV receiver to access this television feature. There are a number of other Logitech Revue devices that enhance subscribers’ television viewing experience.

Sony Devices: DirecTV subscribers can access this through two Sony products. They are:

• Sony Internet TV powered by Google TV
• Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc player powered by Google TV

Blu-ray Disc player is an improvised form of Internet TV and is mainly used by people. The setup is very simple. Subscribers need to connect their HD-DVR or HD receiver to Internet TV Blu-ray Disc player via HDMI cables. In addition, they have to connect TV and Internet service to the facility. Other than these, subscribers must have a Google account as it is a single sign-in system that provides access to free Google services including iGoogle, Gmail email services, Google Groups, the Picasa Web Album and many more. Subscribers can access all these benefits on their TV screens.

From the above explanation, it is clear that DirecTV subscribers can access this amazing feature on their TVs by following a few simple steps. They may have Google TV devices from Logitech Revue or Sony. But in fact, Logitech Revue devices are mainly used by people. Sony lacks the Revue’s built-in IR emitters and also the Logitech Revue’s keyboard controller is better than the remotes provided by Sony. All types of DirecTV subscribers can opt for Google TV. Google TV devices are available at affordable prices. The Google TV service therefore offers great entertainment as well as web access on large TV screens. This is a great experience on the part of subscribers.