Google, Dish Network test TV search service

Internet search engine giant Google is testing a new TV programming search service with satellite television operator Dish Network Corp., a move that would allow users to find content from television and the web.

Attributing to people familiar with the matter, The Wall Street Journal reported Google is testing a new TV programming search service with Dish Network Corp.

The report said the service, which runs on TV set-top boxes containing Google software, allows users to find shows on the satellite TV service as well as video from websites like YouTube.

It also allow users to personalise the line-up of shows.

With this, Google moves deeper into a crowded field of companies, large and small, that have been trying for years to marry the web and TV and their business models — from rivals Microsoft Corp. and Apple Inc. to the makers of TV and set-top boxes.

According to the publication, both companies declined to comment on the plan.

In addition to the test with Dish, Google has been talking to a range of other television service providers and hardware makers, prodding them to use its Android-based technologies to offer a broader range of programming, a more personal experience and ads, it added.