> If you were hoping to use your new [Google TV device](http://www.pcworld.com/article/207643/sony_debuts_hdtvs_with_google_tv_baked_in.html) to stream full episodes of shows such as NBC’s *The Office*, CBS’ *$h*! My Dad Says*, and ABC’s *Modern Family*, you may be out of luck. The three major U.S. television networks—ABC, CBS and NBC—are reportedly blocking full episode video streaming from their Websites to Google TV devices. The three networks now join [Hulu as holdouts](http://www.pcworld.com/article/207182/google_tv_gets_hulu_snub_revue_cant_deliver_full_web.html) for providing content to Google’s new set-top box. News Corp’s Fox and Viacom are not currently blocking access to Google TV, although Fox says it may still do so, according to [The Wall Street Journal](http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303339504575566572021412854.html) .
via [macworld.com](http://www.macworld.com/article/155099/2010/10/googletv.html?lsrc=rss_main)
Anyone who is surprised by this isn’t paying attention. As I’ve said about a million times, the problem is with CONTENT availability. And the studios aren’t about to give it to Google any more than they were willing to give it to Apple, Amazon, Netflix, etc.
The Cable companies have way too much to lose. And the Cable companies are making the networks way too much money in advertising. Real advertising. Not crappy web ads that go for a few pennies.
Until the tech companies can make the studios enough money to fund huge budget sci-fi shows, the Cable companies aren’t going anywhere. Very simple.
So Google TV, as predicted, becomes another overpriced box sucking up power and getting you limited content. But least your remote has 45,000 buttons now.
Now, the last time the Powers That Be whined about Google trying to create a revolution (Remember the Nexus One?), Google ended up caving to their (carrier’s) whims. It’ll be interesting if Google can come up with something that will appease the TV studios, like maybe charging a ridiculously high price for episodes, or some other form of forced commercial content that makes the whole experience unbearable.
