Q: When is a computer not a computer?

A: When it’s hooked up to a TV.

TV networks are blocking Google TV’s web browser from watching their shows through their websites. But if you take an ordinary computer and hook it up to a TV, and dial up fox.com that way, everything is fine.

In short, if your computer is Google TV (or Boxee, I suspect) you’re screwed. If your computer is a traditional laptop or desktop computer, you’re fine.

These types of arbitrary choices are sure signs of clinging to a dying business model.