Buying Smart TV
melbury
Posts: 13,251 Forumite
in Techie Stuff
I am looking to buy my first smart TV and find it all a bit confusing:(
I have noticed that some TV's come with built-in WiFi but others don't. I had just assumed that the TV would pick up the WiFi signal from my router (which is upstairs) and this would be okay.
If you buy a TV with built-in WiFi does it have it's own independent router incorporated within it? I have to say that my router would be a long way from the TV.
So is it better to buy a TV with it built-in or doesn't it make a lot of difference?
Why is everything so complicated?:(
Many thanks.
I have noticed that some TV's come with built-in WiFi but others don't. I had just assumed that the TV would pick up the WiFi signal from my router (which is upstairs) and this would be okay.
If you buy a TV with built-in WiFi does it have it's own independent router incorporated within it? I have to say that my router would be a long way from the TV.
So is it better to buy a TV with it built-in or doesn't it make a lot of difference?
Why is everything so complicated?:(
Many thanks.
Stopped smoking 27/12/2007, but could start again at any time :eek:
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Comments
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I am looking to buy my first smart TV and find it all a bit confusing:(
I have noticed that some TV's come with built-in WiFi but others don't. I had just assumed that the TV would pick up the WiFi signal from my router (which is upstairs) and this would be okay.
If you buy a TV with built-in WiFi does it have it's own independent router incorporated within it? I have to say that my router would be a long way from the TV.
So is it better to buy a TV with it built-in or doesn't it make a lot of difference?
Why is everything so complicated?:(
Many thanks.
Built in Wifi means it will use your existing wifi to access online content.
You need to weigh up the costs for built in/add on wifi. I personally just used an ethernet cable.
What features are you wanting from this 'smart' TV?0 -
First of all do you get a decent wifi connection on say a smart phone, using ethernet might be a better option.0
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Decide first what you want from your Smart TV, that will help.
You may well find that merely adding a Google Chromecast, Amazon FireStick or similar to your existing setup will do what you want.
What do you want?0 -
Thanks for your replies.
Basically all we want is to be able to view a few series that are only shown on Amazon or Netflix and OH would like to see the new Top Gear:)
Our current TV is about 9 years old - a Panasonic plasma, so not sure if a FireStick would work on it. What do you think?
As I said, the router is actually located upstairs so quite a distance from where the TV is. However, no problem with connecting to WiFi on laptop downstairs, so presumably signal would be strong enough.Stopped smoking 27/12/2007, but could start again at any time :eek:0 -
I wouldn't worry about the smart features - TV manufacturers don't support them and they'll slowly stop working as soon as the next model year comes along. Better to focus on the other aspects of the TV and add the smart features via an appropriate box.0
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Thanks for your replies.
Basically all we want is to be able to view a few series that are only shown on Amazon or Netflix and OH would like to see the new Top Gear:)
Our current TV is about 9 years old - a Panasonic plasma, so not sure if a FireStick would work on it. What do you think?
As I said, the router is actually located upstairs so quite a distance from where the TV is. However, no problem with connecting to WiFi on laptop downstairs, so presumably signal would be strong enough.
As far as your existing TV is concerned, all you need is a spare HDMI input.0 -
Thanks for your replies.
Basically all we want is to be able to view a few series that are only shown on Amazon or Netflix and OH would like to see the new Top Gear:)
Our current TV is about 9 years old - a Panasonic plasma, so not sure if a FireStick would work on it. What do you think?
As I said, the router is actually located upstairs so quite a distance from where the TV is. However, no problem with connecting to WiFi on laptop downstairs, so presumably signal would be strong enough.
Top Gear will still be on the BBC, The Grand Tour on Amazon Video.
As above, an Amazon Fire TV device or a Roku. Both will cover Amazon Video and Netflix as well as all the major UK iplayers.
TV will should fine, my Panasonic plasma is about the same age and working fine with Amazon Fire TV box, Chromecast and Roku box.0 -
Assuming you're an Amazon Prime & Netflix member then it would probably be better to get an Amazon Fire TV stick or box. Personally I prefer the box as you connect via ethernet using a homeplug, for some reason I find some programme playback on Netflix (Narcos, for example) to be a bit jerky via Wifi.
As far as your existing TV is concerned, all you need is a spare HDMI input.
No I am not a Prime or Netflix member. I thought you could access quite a lot of things free of charge, but perhaps this isn't the case:(
Not sure what you mean by preferring the "box" and connecting via ethernet? Is that something special that you have to buy?Stopped smoking 27/12/2007, but could start again at any time :eek:0 -
No I am not a Prime or Netflix member. I thought you could access quite a lot of things free of charge, but perhaps this isn't the case:(
Not sure what you mean by preferring the "box" and connecting via ethernet? Is that something special that you have to buy?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00UH2O6T2/ref=topnav_storetab_kin_ftv0 -
No I am not a Prime or Netflix member. I thought you could access quite a lot of things free of charge, but perhaps this isn't the case:(
Netflix is subscription. Most programming is included at no extra on Amazon Video if you get Prime but others such a latest films are initially chargeable unless you wait.Not sure what you mean by preferring the "box" and connecting via ethernet? Is that something special that you have to buy?
The Amazon Fire TV stick is Wi-Fi only, the box has the option of Wi-Fi or Ethernet.0
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