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Geniatech unveils Android-embedded set-top system for HDTV

Geniatech unveils Android-embedded set-top system for HDTV
Geniatech has unveiled its Android TV set-top box that plays full 1080p high definition video on HDTVs, is a digital media player, a digital photo frame, a games console and internet browsing platform
Geniatech has unveiled its Android TV set-top box that plays full 1080p high definition video on HDTVs, is a digital media player, a digital photo frame, a games console and internet browsing platform
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The kind of services available with Geniatech's Android TV
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The kind of services available with Geniatech's Android TV
Android TV premium box from Geniatech
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Android TV premium box from Geniatech
Android TV set-top box from Geniatech
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Android TV set-top box from Geniatech
Android TV Nano box from Geniatech
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Android TV Nano box from Geniatech
Android TV Basic box from Geniatech
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Android TV Basic box from Geniatech
Geniatech has unveiled its Android TV set-top box that plays full 1080p high definition video on HDTVs, is a digital media player, a digital photo frame, a games console and internet browsing platform
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Geniatech has unveiled its Android TV set-top box that plays full 1080p high definition video on HDTVs, is a digital media player, a digital photo frame, a games console and internet browsing platform
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Google TV has not received quite the warm welcome that was hoped for, in spite of sterling efforts from Logitech, Sony and Boxee. While the search giant makes upgrades to the service for Android 3.1 and readies it for Android Market, Geniatech is offering what it says is the first Android-embedded set-top system for HDTVs. The company says that as well as offering full 1080p high definition video decoding, its Android TV can also act as a digital media player, digital photo frame, games console and internet browsing platform.

This is not the first time that the power of the internet has been brought to a big screen television. Manufacturers like Samsung, Sony and Panasonic already provide similar experiences built into a TV, and Gizmag's Mike Hanlon and Noel McKeegan were both suitably impressed when they encountered the range of Scandinavia Android HD televisions from Sweden's Lava at last year's IFA in Berlin. Geniatech's system will have to be something pretty special to trump them, but without the benefit of testing, we can only tell you what we know from the company.

Android TV Nano box from Geniatech
Android TV Nano box from Geniatech

The set-top box runs on Android 2.2, is powered by a 1GHz Cortex A9 CPU supported by 512MB of DDR2 system memory, and comes with 2GB of onboard NAND storage with expansion possible via an SD/SDHC slot. There's also an included SATA slot for internal storage. The five models available variably support DVB-T/ISDB-T/D-TMB/DVB-S/DVB-S2/DVB-T2 digital TV reception, and can handle H.264, MPEG-2, VC-1 video formats and MP3, WMA, WAV and OGG audio formats.

In addition to a having a Webkit browser, GMail access, and a media player, Geniatech's Android TV is also said to have access to Android Market to allow apps to be downloaded. Connection to the home network is possible via Ethernet or built-in 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, and file sharing with a networked PC is also possible. HDMI 1.3 takes care of TV connectivity, there's an RCA line-out, and two external USB 2.0 ports offer additional storage possibilities courtesy of external drives.

Android TV Basic box from Geniatech
Android TV Basic box from Geniatech

Geniatech offers four remote control options, from the basic IR model with or without mouse functionality, to a 2.4GHz wireless remote option that includes a QWERTY keyboard and either motion or trackball mouse functionality.

More information is available from the product page but, unfortunately, at the time of writing we don't have any pricing or availability information.

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3 comments
3 comments
Knut Scott Lindsley
I would own a Google TV programme if only they had managed to create a system with a more realistic price point. For $300 you can get an astounding blue ray player with 3d, blue ray, etc capabilities. Does the Google tv box play blue ray? Nope.
I had help off buying an Apple itv box when I saw that this Google tv would play Netflix. But when the final price came out I changed my mind.
If the Apple itv box had a browser, it would likely by the most popular box in use for televisions today.
Google tv will fade away if it can\'t find a more affordable entry device for people who want Netflix and a browser.
Darin Boué
Any news on how to purchase it. Website has no prices, no order info. They won\'t respond to several inquiries. What\'s the deal?
Javi Rodicio
Actually you can buy Geniatech Android TV and anothers here: http://www.asiapads.com/index.php?cPath=190
ATV2000 and ZERO Devices are really good quality. Amlogic Cortex A9 core. Really good!