LG hesitates to commit to Google TV

Television manufacturer LG is hesitating to commit itself to support the Google TV initiative, with digital display division CEO Simon Kang citing fears that the internet giant could come to dominate the TV software market, leaving consumer electronics firms as hardware-only providers.

Kang told Dow Jones Newswires: “Google TV could spark strong interest in the market, but the reason we are deliberating is because Google may one day dominate the software space and we don’t want to end up as just a hardware provider.”

LG has developed a line of internet-connected TVs based on its own Netcast software. Google meanwhile has struck an agreement with Sony to develop connected TVs based on Google’s platform, while Switzerland-based Logitech is developing a set-top box for the platform.