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The companies said their much-anticipated plan for "smart" TVs will use Google's Android mobile operating software, commonly found on smartphones, to power set-top boxes that let users find shows on Dish Network's satellite-TV service and videos from Web sites such as YouTube.

"Video should be consumed on the biggest, best and brightest screen in the house, and that's a TV," said Rishi Chandra, Google's senior product manager.

Google TV has a search feature -- by typing or speaking into a tablet-like remote -- and a guide to help users navigate an array of Web sites and TV programs from the couch.

One of the biggest shifts in consumer electronics came when some Blu-ray players and TVs gained access the Web. But these products only played specific content that has been modified for TV viewing, such as Netflix's video-streaming service.

Google TV, instead, is a push to develop a more extensive platform -- allowing consumers to browse any Web site from their TVs, while also playing new and existing Android applications.

"We've been waiting a long time for today," said Eric Schmidt, Google's chief executive.

But that initiative needs new hardware, including special remotes and keyboards.

Sony, which has seen its lead in consumer electronics has been eroded by rivals like Samsung, said it would make the TV sets equipped for Google TV as well as a set-top box unit with an integrated Blu-ray disc drive.

Logitech, the peripheral-device maker known for computer mice, plans to offer a tablet-like remote control that allows existing TVs to work with Google TV. The device will come with a wireless controller to let users type in Internet addresses.

Meanwhile, Intel will supply its Atom microprocessors for use in the devices, with circuitry to manage the graphics and video.

"It's much harder to marry a 50-year-old technology and a brand new technology than those of us in the brand new technology industry thought," Schmidt said. "We can do even more relevant TV advertising, which should be worth a lot of money."

For Google, which dominates Internet search, TV represents a lucrative new market to extend its advertising sales. Last year, the company generated close to $24 billion in revenue, mainly through Web ads displayed on PCs.

A long list of companies, both large and small, is trying to connect TVs to the Internet, including Apple, Roku and Boxee. But none have reached mainstream consumers, many of whom are used to having hardware from their cable or satellite providers. In March, TiVo introduced new digital video recorders that merge broadcast and online content.

Google still faces an array of obstacles, including distribution for its technology from cable and satellite operators, which were conspicuously absent. Analysts say these providers, who tightly control where their programming appears on TVs and the Web, could oppose the project.

Regardless, the Internet search giant said its new TVs are expected to go on sale from Best Buy stores starting this fall. Pricing wasn't immediately announced.