If you haven’t been keeping up with Google TV, in a nutshell, it’s a device that brings web capabilities to your TV habits like the ability to browse the web and watch TV at the same time or run dedicated apps. As mentioned, the Google TV, which Sony is a supporter of, has a fully functional web browser with Flash. This means that users can access websites like ABC, Fox and NBC to watch TV shows at their own leisure. TV networks didn’t like the idea of users watching their content on their TV without them actually counting towards the given shows ratings or ad revenue. When users now visit these sites like Fox and attempt to view the content, they will be greeted with “This content is not compatible with your device”.

In the middle of all this, Google TV fans have a new supporter whom they can turn to; Sony Pictures. Unlike the networks, Sony-owned website Crackle is going to remain open to all Google TV owners which has a host of original videos, as well as films from Sony Pictures like  Snatch, Jerry Maguire, Godzilla, Starship Troopers, Sniper, Lords of Dogtown and The Cable Guy.

 Crackle, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s premium video entertainment network, has built an optimized website for Google TV, it was announced today by Eric Berger, senior vice president, digital networks, Sony Pictures Television (SPT).

Offering a unique mix of high-quality content, Crackle’s ad-supported service features original series, an unmatched collection of full-length television shows, and unedited motion pictures from the vast Sony Pictures library. Crackle can be accessed on Google TV through the Spotlight section.

“Our customized site is the latest in our ongoing efforts to bring Crackle’s extensive content catalogue directly to consumers over IP-enabled and open internet platforms,” said Berger.

Google TV combines the web with the TV viewing experience, and gives users a powerful way to search across both. Google TV is available on Sony Internet TVs, Sony Internet TV Blu-Ray Players, and via Logitech Revue set top boxes.

One of the fastest growing entertainment destinations on the Internet today Crackle.com is ranked one of the top 10 U.S. sites in comScore* (US comScore Oct-Dec 2009, 3 month average). Online viewers experience pure entertainment: full-length movies, TV shows, and original online series – all uncut, uncensored and free.  Crackle.com is available the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia.

 

You win some and lose some but being a supporter of the Google TV platform, Sony Pictures is welcoming all Google TV users, whether you are using a Sony built one or not does not matter to enjoy their content. This also seems to be part of a larger strategy by Sony to expand the scope of Crackle.com.