While TVs aren’t exactly mobile, they are the next big field for apps, so get ready to test on the big screen! But instead of thinking about even more spokes on the testing matrix (manufacturers, screen type, screen size, connectivity, remote controls, etc) the TV app matrix might be shrinking even before it can explode.

LG and Phillips (with the support of Japanese TV manufacturers) have created the Smart TV Alliance which aims to bring one unified platform for apps to all smart TVs. If the single platform catches on it will make developing and testing these new apps much easier. And that’s exactly the point behind the Smart TV Alliance. From CNET:

“Before today, the Smart TV industry was a very difficult market for both TV manufacturers and application developers as TV’s from different brands used different platforms and technologies,” said Bong-seok Kwon of LG Electronics, president of the Smart TV Alliance. …

The Smart TV alliance will make the tools available for free on its Web site for use by all manufacturers and hopes that it will help simplify the process of creating new apps across multiple brands.

The Alliance hasn’t gotten Google (with their cross-brand Google TV interface) to join the band wagon yet so we’ll have to see if TV giants can beat an app giant at its own game.