Google will launch its TV service in Europe early next year despite the problems the service faced in the U.S last year. Google's executive Chairman Eric Schmidt on Friday confirmed the company's commitment to the project, speaking to the Edinburgh television festival.

"Some in the US feared we aimed to compete with broadcasters or content creators. Actually our intent is the opposite," he said, quoted by Reuters.

"We seek to support the content industry by providing an open platform for the next generation of TV to evolve, the same way Android is an open platform for the next generation of mobile," he said.

"We expect Google TV to launch in Europe early next year, and of course the UK will be among the top priorities."

Google TV allows viewers to mix Web and television content on a TV screen via a browser. The service was launched in the United States in October but received mixed reviews and was swiftly blocked by three of the top U.S. broadcast networks.Television industry view Google with suspicion and accuse it of stealing their advertising revenues without contributing to the costs of making programs.

By expanding to the digital TV business, Google is hoping to extend its online advertising revenues.