Menlo Park (ip-192.com): Google and Dish Network Corp. are testing a new television programming search feature, several news outlets report.  New TV set-top boxes that run on Google's Android software will allow users to find programming on the Dish Network and videos on websites, including Google’s YouTube.

While currently in a testing phase, Google seems to move deeper into a territory already claimed by Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, Microsoft, Apple, and others. Google's test began last year, according to the Wall Street Journal, and is currently limited to company employees. However, Google did ask employees to test the new Nexus One phone as well before going public with the service.

Rolling out a search service for TV and internet video content is a natural progression for a company that handles the vast majority of Internet search queries. Since Google is working directly with an operator like Dish Network, consumers may be able to avoid any additional hardware purchases to use the service. Devices running Android software will be able to retrieve programming information from the Internet.

If Google decides to move on, it will open a new channel for its advertising service. It will also be able to analyze viewing habits and serf targeted ads to consumers.

Google and Dish Network declined to comment on the matter.

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