The Google TV developers released a GoogleTV add-on for the Android SDK that makes emulation possible on the Windows and Mac Operating Systems (Linux was already supported).

Assuming that you have the Android SDK already installed:

In order to use the emulator, you need to open the Android SDK Manager and make sure that you have the “Google TV Addon” [under Android 3.2 (API 13)] and the “Intel Atom x86 System Image” [under Android 2.3.3 (API 10)].

 

If you installed the “Intel Atom x86 System Image”, you need to install the “Intel Hardware Accelerated Execution Manager” which can be found in the <sdk>/extras/intel/Hardware_Accelerated_Execution_Manager/
directory.  
For Windows, install the IntelHAXM.exe file.  
For Mac, install the IntelHAXM.dmg file.
You can read the installation instructions here http://developer.android.com/tools/devices/emulator.html

Create a new “Device Definition” in the “Android Virtual Device Manager” using the configuration below.  
For 1080p use a resolution of 1920×1080 and a density of xhdpi.
For 720p use a resolution of 1080×720 with a density of tvdpi.

 

Then create a “Android Virtual Device” using the “Device Definition” that you just configured.

 

What is Google TV?
Google TV is an Android based platform that brings live TV, web and android apps all together in one device. It is like having a computer, cell phone, and television all in one.

Why develop for Google TV?
Did you know that the average person watches 5 hours of television every day? Due to this large amount of TV watching about 20% of televisions sold in 2010 were internet ready. Having this Google TV platform gives you the ability to develop apps that will enhance the TV viewing experience for millions of viewers. For example an app focused on sports can bring the most up to date statistics, video content and game scores to each viewer on personal demand.

Does developing for Google TV intrigue you? Well if it does then my next post will take you through the steps of how to get your Google TV development experience started.