TVs Can Do It All! Yes, Even Gaming

[Hooch Tan]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/onlive-turns-into-vizio-via-plus-app-destined-for-tvs-tablets/' target='_blank'>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/04/...or-tvs-tablets/</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"The OnLive MicroConsole is one way to get your streaming game fix, but here comes Vizio with four more -- the bargain television company just revealed that those brand-new VIA Plus HDTVs and Blu-ray players (as well as that VIA Tablet and VIA Phone) will come with OnLive on board."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1294188586.usr20447.jpg" style="border: 0px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>TVs have been gaining features year by year.&nbsp; Instead of just playing video, they now also display pictures, stream Internet video, handle apps and now, offer gaming.&nbsp; Why bother with an XBox or PS3 when you have all that you need in your TV?&nbsp; No hassle with cables or discs, just a subscription you pay each month, like NetFlix, and you have access to a host of games.&nbsp; Sure, that might not appeal to the more serious gamer, but for casual games or non-nano-second critical games, OnLive seems to fit the bill for a lot of people.&nbsp; While starting with VIA is a good start, OnLive will need to sign a few more brands to be successful.&nbsp; Of course, Microsoft or Sony could always begin offering their own integrated TVs or Cable boxes.&nbsp; It almost makes me frustrated though, since it seems like TV manufacturers are acting more like video card companies these days, offering new features each year to tempt you to upgrade.</p>

[Dyvim]

Yet another recurring monthly fee for renting content I'll never own? No thanks.
Now if they threw in a couple free local (non-network) games built-into the TV, then that might add value for me.

[whydidnt]

I do prefer the network apps to be loaded in a separate set top box, that way if the TV goes or the apps become out-dated I don't have to swap everything to resolve the issue. However, for techno-phobes, I can see the value of building the apps into the TV: one remote, one menu of choices, a consistent interface, etc. Considering how dead simple things like WMC or Boxee are, you think it would be easier, but I can tell from experience, people like my wife don't use it if it requires an input change. ;)

As far as OnLive, if they are adding network apps to the TV, it only makes sense to add this as well. Doesn't really require a separate box and if people find it easy and affordable, then, why not?