Blocking Google TV Is Only Going to Hurt Content Providers

[Originally posted from my blog.]

There has been a backlash between the four big media companies in the US and the inclusion of Google Chrome in Google TV. As soon as the Logitech Revue and Sony Internet TVs with Google TV included were released, Hulu blocked access to GTV owners. A workaround was quickly found, but then Hulu blocked Google TV with a much more permanent solution. Then the rest of the four major networks, CBS, ABC, FOX, and NBC blocked access to their own streaming content via their websites. Google and the networks have been battling it out for a while now, with the companies trying to persuade Google to filter out torrents from their search pages to try and stop piracy. But they probably mostly want money from Google.

In my opinion, content provider’s actions are only going to hurt their image, because while they may have blocked Google TV, all people have to do is buy a cheep computer and a TV tuner and problem solved. What will the big four do next, block ALL access to streaming content because they aren’t sure if people are watching from media PCs in their bedrooms?