Smart Tv

[magicmick]

Has any ABr got a smart TV, do you like it, any pros and cons? do you need wi fi connection for one?

[ummmm]

I have one. I think it's worth it. We have wifi and bought a wifi dongle that just plugs into a usb port on the back so I assume you can use it with plug in internet.

It's pretty speedy and easy to use. It's really good for catchup TV.

I would advise to get a wireless keyboard and mouse because it's slow typing from a remote.

[Buenchico]

>>>do you need wi fi connection for one?

Smart TVs connect wirelessly to your router.

Many technology journalists advise caution if you're thinking about buying a smart TV because the apps on them will only function as long as the manufacturer keeps paying the licence fees for them, which might only be for a few years:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2636468/The-not-smart-TVs-Research-finds-manufacturers-abandon-support-sets-years-old.html
It's therefore better to buy a 'smart' add-on (such as a NOW TV box) for a standard (non-smart) TV because the manufacturers of such devices need to keep their apps active in order to maintain the credibility of the service they're offering:
http://www.nowtv.com/box

[hc4361]

Lots of reviewers and techie types are advising against a smart tv because you might not get all the services you bought the tv for. If the manufacturer doesn't renew the rights with iPlayer or 4OD you have lost that service. Well explained here:
http://www.howtogeek.com/176392/smart-tvs-are-stupid-why-you-dont-really-want-a-smart-tv/

If you have a decent tv already you make it smart for very little money, as explained in that review. Check out ChromeCast, Roku, Amazon Fire and all the other boxes and dongles that are on the market.

My 3 year old dvd player has all the catch up apps and youtube, I know some game consoles also provide smart services. You may have what you want already.

[hc4361]

Buenchico did it faster and better than me (as usual) :D

[magicmick]

Thanks for that ummmm, I have a huawei wireless mi fi not like the conventional dongle, would not be able to plug into TV. Would the TV pick up it's signal?

[Buenchico]

Smart TVs (and the other devices mentioned above) use massive amounts of data. They need to be used with an 'unlimited' broadband service, otherwise you'd use up your data allowance extremely quickly.

[magicmick]

Thank you Buenchico and hc 4361, I will read your links with interest then proceed with caution.

[hc4361]

You do need a wifi connection and it will eat in to your data if you don't have unlimited broadband

[Peter Pedant]

smart tee-vee you mean the ones that turn themselves off when Corrie and Hollyoaks comes on ?

sorry about that - mine connect via a wire to the internet...

[hc4361]

fender, OP doesn't have a modem or router so can't connect by ethernet. He is using mifi.

[Khandro]

Not sure what a smart TV is. I can get YouTube on my Panasonic via a wi-fi router, is that a 'smart TV'?

[hc4361]

Khandro, smart tvs have apps for catch up services such as BBC iPlayer and 4OD, YouTube, other streaming services such as NetFlix and Amazon tv, Skype and can surf the web (usually badly).

Not all smart tvs have all the apps you might expect - some have 4OD and no BBC iPlayer, as an example