Logitech Revue Works with Your Current Cable or Satellite Provider

Posted on October 8, 2010 by Ashish Arora in Digital Home with 61 Comments on Logitech Revue Works with Your Current Cable or Satellite Provider

Since our announcement on Wednesday, I have received a few questions from people asking if the Logitech Revue will work with their existing cable or satellite provider and set-top box. I wanted to take this chance to clarify that the Logitech Revue companion box works with set-top boxes regardless of your cable TV or satellite TV provider (Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, Direct TV, etc).

Regardless of who is providing your broadcast TV content, you’ll see your TV content in your search results. You’ll also be able to control your set-top box and see the program guide.

DISH customers will have some functionality that is above and beyond what you get with the other cable or satellite providers – and that is deeper integration with their DVR. When Logitech Revue ships, only DISH customers will see their DVR content show up in their search results. But if you have a different cable or satellite provider, and you have a DVR, you will still be able to use your Logitech Revue keyboard controller to control your DVR, see your DVR menus, record a show or select content to watch.

So to sum it up, if you have an HDTV with an HDMI port, a HDMI set-top box and a broadband Internet connection, the Logitech Revue with Google TV will work for you.

Author

Ashish Arora

Vice President and General Manager, Digital Home Group

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61 comments

  • And what if you don’t have a box but the decoding is done in the TV?

    (10 to 1 this isn’t going to be answered)

    • Hi Kermonk,

      Apologies for the delay in getting abck to you.

      If you have a set top box from your TV service provider (any provider) which is HDMI enabled, you are all set. With a quick setup, you can access all your TV, web and apps content in one place using Google TV’s search and Logitech’s Harmony link technology.

      Even if you don’t set up your Logitech Revue to integrate with your broadcast TV, you can still use Revue to bring content from the full web, applications and your personal media collection to your TV screen. In addition, you can continue to use your TV as you do today.

      If you want to set up Revue to integrate with your broadcast TV, you can contact your service provider to get an HDMI set top box you can control using Revue. Alternately, you can set up a tuner box such as a DVR (e.g. Tivo) with Revue to give you the TV integration.

      Best,
      Ashish

  • i beleive this issue must be addressed more clearly in the press or Adds as many will be hesitant to buy thinking that the Revue will not let them access their Current Cable or Satellite Provider

    • Thanks Khaled, for your feedback.

      Logitech Revue’s embedded Harmony link technology allows it to control set top boxes provided by TV service providers — so users don’t have to worry about changing from their current service provider in order to use Revue.

      Best,
      Ashish

  • So say, if I don’t have a HDMI set-top box (because I get free digital/HD from my provider via cable) I cannot use Google TV? Is a set-top box required?

    • Hi Niclas,

      Without a cable box, you can still get the Internet on your TV. However, without a cable box, you can not integrate all TV and Web content into one search since they would be on different inputs.

      Best,
      Ashish

  • First off this is really heartening to see … Quick questions … Will this work with Series 3 Tivo and does this box have DLNA capabilities especially when networked with Mac desktops/notebooks ? Looking forward to this amazing device ..

    • Hi Abhijit,

      With the free Logitech Media Player app, pre-installed on the Logitech Revue, you can access your content via DLNA. And using the HDMI out on our Tivo Series 3, you can connect the Logitech Revue box.

      Best,
      Ashish

  • Great news. You really need to get this information out there- a lot of people are confused. Now if you could just confirm MKV support! It’s not listed on the product support page but was mentioned during the event. Additionally I think lots of people would like to see a video of the Logitech Media Player app in action- showing the interface and how it will browse content via the DLNA capabilities.

    Thanks!

    • Hi Hamish,

      You can access all of your personal media from your networked PC directly on Revue using the Logitech Media Player app.

      Best,
      Ashish

    • Hi Sean,

      The Logitech TV Cam and Revue have been designed to give you a great video calling experience on your Revue, so you will be able to enjoy full HD 720p video calling using them. Latency is dependent on your network bandwidth, so as long as you have a broadband network that gives you a good performance on video streaming you should be all set, regardless of whether you are calling from a high-performance PC or Logitech Revue.

      Best,
      Ashish

  • I preordered a Logitech Revue because the sales person in the store addressed all my concerns that this item would be my solution. Doing further research, I’ve found that this unit can not be directly connected to my HD TV and stand alone. It seems as though this needs to run through a cable box of some type. My whole purpose was to eliminate cable expense and use the internet for movies and TV streaming. Please let me know if I’ve made the wrong decision. It seems like a playstation 3 might be the better choice for me according to several articles I’ve read. Thanks

    • Hi Woody,

      You can use the Logitech Revue to share Web content on your TV. Without a cable box, you just won’t be also accessing that content in the search. But you will be able to watch movies to TV that are on the Internet.

      Best,
      Ashish

  • Wow, I must get hold of this product ASAP.

    Can I buy it in the UK or get it shipped to the UK? If not when will you start selling it in the UK?

  • Will recording features be available through the device when connected to a DVR? One feature that would make or break this device for me, would be the ability to record tv shows like tivo does, especially on a set schedule, not just live stream content I can already access on a computer , through the same hdtv.

    Does this device have a built in HDD? if not where does it dump video to if it can record it from the dvr? Are external usb HDD drives supported on this device? if so is it possible to set that as the custom store to device?

    • You can record TV shows using the cable box you already have and the Logitech Revue can access your DVR. The Revue box itself does not store any of the content.

      The Logitech Media Play app will allow you to access content stored on an external Hard Drive and pull up that data in the search results for Google TV.

  • I have a Comcast cable box (Motorola) and my Logitech Revue does not work with it. As a matter of fact, it will more than likely not work with a large number of Comcast subscribers in large parts of Philadelphia as all of the Motorola boxes that don’t work with the Revue are the exact same ones being used throughout the area.

    I am attempting to secure another cable box that will work, but if that fails, I will have to return the Revue.

    • Certain Motorola set-top boxes (Motorola DCX3200, DCX3400, DCT6412, DCH3200, DCT3416, DCH3416) limit the number of downstream HDCP devices to 2 or fewer. Therefore if you have connected Revue to your AV Receiver and TV using HDMI cables, you may experience the following issues:

      – An HDCP error message is displayed on your TV. In some cases the following error message appears, “The HD content of your repeater has been compromised and all devices connected to the repeater will not be authorized to receive video over the digital link”

      – TV programming is displayed on your TV for a couple of seconds and then you get a green or black image

      To resolve the issue, you can contact your provider and request an alternate HDMI set-top box or you will need to connect Revue to your AV Receiver using an SPDIF cable. Check out the link here to connect using SPDIF:
      http://revue.logitech.com/MartiniWeb/digitalhome/answers?a_id=397

      Best,
      Ashish

  • Can you tell me if the Revue is available in Canada? And if not, when can we expect it?

    Thanks.
    Darlene

  • So web hosted content. Like.say for.instance my web hosted server at my.office with all my media files?

  • My cable box (Comcast) is connected with a 30+ foot HDMI cable from inside a closet. My existing blu-ray player does not support a long run of the HDMI cable so it is connected with a separate short 3 foot HDMI cable to the TV. Will the Revue support this length of an HDMI cable if I place it in series with the cable box?

  • Let me ask you this…I do NOT have and HD set-top box…just a regular Directv box. I tried to set this up with connecting the logitech unit to my tv, but nothing ever happened. I tried to change the tv input to HDMi1 and it still didn’t work….is it possible to use this without an HD set-top box? Is it possible to hook an HDMi cord out from the Logitech, into a Blu-Ray, out of the Blu-Ray, into the Tv? Will that work or do you HAVE to have the HD set-top box?

    • At this time, you need to have a HD cable box since the Logitech Revue connects to your HDTV using a HDMI cable.

  • My Revue didn’t work on my set-top box (Motorola DCT-3416 I) either using HDMI. I had to connect a SPDIF cable from my AVR to the Revue and an HDMI straight to my HDTV and using up another HDMI port on the TV. This isn’t what I want and would like to know which Motorola STB HDDVR w/ HDMI boxes can I use to utilize just a straight connection to my AVR? Technically, the blogger is correct and it will work. What is left out is how it must be connected (outside of the way it is described in most places). Also, my keyboard does not control my AVR (Denon AVR-1909) such as volume control, etc.

    • Many Motorola boxes will need to be connected via SPDIF.

      Certain Motorola set-top boxes (Motorola DCX3200, DCX3400, DCT6412, DCH3200, DCT3416, DCH3416) limit the number of downstream HDCP devices to 2 or fewer. Therefore if you have connected Revue to your AV Receiver and TV using HDMI cables, you may experience the following issues:

      * An HDCP error message is displayed on your TV. In some cases the following error message appears, “The HD content of your repeater has been compromised and all devices connected to the repeater will not be authorized to receive video over the digital link”
      * TV programming is displayed on your TV for a couple of seconds and then you get a green or black image

      To resolve the issue, you can contact your provider an request an alternate HDMI set-top box or you will need to connect Revue to your AV Receiver using an SPDIF cable.

      1. Using an HDMI cable, connect one end to the HDMI Out port on your Set-top box (STB), then connect the other end to the HDMI In port on the back of the Revue.
      2. Using another HDMI cable, connect one end to the HDMI Out port on the back of the Revue, then connect the other end to the HDMI In port on your TV.
      3. Connect an Optical cable to the SPDIF port on the back of Revue, then connect the other end to an SPDIF In port on your AV Receiver.
      4. Insert the power cable into the back of the Revue, and plug the other end into a power source

    • Hi ysandhu,

      Currently Google TV is only available in the U.S. We expect Google TV to become available outside of the U.S. beginning next year.

      Best,
      Ha

    • Hi Pinal,

      You can still use Logitech Revue to bring content from the full web, applications and your personal media collection to your TV screen. In addition, you can continue to use your TV as you do today.

      Best,
      Ashish

  • I assume the Slingbox will work with Logitech Revue i.e. can I use Slingbox through the browser and watch my TV at the same time? Also, Do you expect google TV to be for sale in Canada before Xmas?

  • Hi there, can I purchase this current model for use within Australia. I have a TV with an HDMI connection and broadband internet, and we currently have digital channels here in Australia.

    • Hi Duncan,

      Since Google TV is not available in Australia, you will not be able to get Google TV this way.

      Best,
      Ha

  • I have no cable/satellite input. I have a plethora of off-air stations plus high speed internet.

    Question 1. Using a laptop I stream movies to the TV via HDMI. I have to switch inputs on the TV to watch off-air channels. Will the Revue have my off air channels integrated?

    Question 2. I currently use an internet aggregater (usually Kylo) on my laptop to select streaming internet channels. Will Revue allow me to select Kylo through its internet functions and then allow me to select and stream channels from e.g. Kylo?

    Question 3. I currently use a Roku box to stream Netflix and watch other Roku channels. I realize that Revue has its own Netflix and other Apps, but can I stream Roku’s HDMI out to the Revue to connect to other Roku channels that are not directly available on Revue?

  • I get over-the-air channels perfectly with a digital antenna. I want to be able to watch broadcast NFL games while taking advantage of all that Google TV has to offer — at the same time. Is there a workaround — since I don’t have cable or a settop box — that would allow be to take that antenna feed and get it into the Revue box, like an antennae to HDMI converter?

  • I see revue has USB ports, can i hook up an external HDD to it, and record something I’m watching for later or programm it as a tivo or a dvr? Or do i have to catch whatever is airing at the time?
    I do have a dvr but is full, so I want to know if revue can store content on a HDD hooked to it or not?
    And if so, would it give me the ability to choose whether I want to store content on my dvr or the external HDD?

  • I just installed the Revue with my direct TV and Denon AVR-590. I was not able to use the HDMI in through the DVR. Are there any future updates that are coming soon? It seems this is an issue for many. I really don’t want to buy another cable like the SPDIF.

    Denver, CO

    • Hi Vivian,

      If your box does not have an HDMI post, you can either contact your provider to ask for an upgraded box or will need to use an alternate way to connect using SPDIF. Hopefully you are able to get up and running to enjoy the Logitech Revue with Google TV soon!

      -Ashish

  • hello – so i understand (at least io think i do) that with time warner and a scientific atlanta 8300hd dvr, the google search will include content from the guide but not content on my list of recorderd shows.

    1st – is that correct?
    2nd – will you add that level of integration in the future?

    thanks

    • Hi Paul,

      1st: At this time, this is accurate. Unless you have DISH, your recorded shows will not appear in the search results. But you can still access all of the content from your DVR as your normally would.

      2nd:If you have a set-top box with an HDMI input, then the Logitech companion box with Google TV will be compatible. Initially, only Dish customers, however, will be able to search their DVR content with Google TV. Stay tuned for future updates. The great thing about an open system like Google TV is that the possibilities are endless!

      -Ashish

  • Is connecting a USB tuner to the Review an option?
    Could I use a USB HDTV tuner to get over the air programming?
    Are there any plans for Logitech to release a USB tuner compatible with the Review?

    • Hi Jose,

      Currently, USB tuners do not work with the Logitech Revue box. We are continually adding features in the product and will communicate if this becomes part of a future revision.

      -Ashish

  • thanks, ashish for answering my 1st two questions.

    now i have another …. can you tell me if the google seach will list and play media files that are loaded on my networked computer or nas and media files loaded on a usb drive pluged into one of the usb ports on the reveu?

    thanks again,
    paul

    • Hi Paul,

      Google search can search through files from a network computer or device that exposes this content through DLNA today. In addition, the USB functionality for the Logitech Media Player is being enhanced with additional improvements, and stronger integration with Google search is under consideration.

      -Ashish

  • I really want a revue can you please tell me an exact release date for uk as I am looking to import from us?

    Thanks
    Luqman.

  • The harmony app only controls the tv and dvt and avr. I wish i could use it to replace all my remotes and control my blue ray and logitech slim device. It needs more actions like watch tv. Watch dvd ect . I have a harmony 1000 and i was hoping this would replace that.

  • Good day, I recently received Logitech GoogleTV for the holiday season. I do not have an STB with HDMI inputs. Instead I have a coaxial cable that plugs into my HDMI TV. Will I still be able to use the logitech unit? It’s a wicked unit and I’d hate to not be able to use it. Thanks again.

    Cheers

  • kk
    what if i don’t have a cable or cable box in room
    can i still use this product even though i have no cable what so ever
    I only have a wireless access through my main living room
    thanks
    and I love your products

  • I have digital cable set top box and STILL cannot make it work with my Comcast cable.
    I can surf the internet, but I cannot watch tv, get picture in picture. Basically, all I have is a 46 inch browser window.

  • I bought this new Logitech Revue.. I have a cable that directly connects to my samsung LED TV. The samsung TV does have HDMI ports. I connected the HDMI output to the Samsung HDMI port. Nothing Happened. Is there something else that needs to be done. Please advise clear steps. The logitech configuration guide doesnt have clear instructions.

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