Internet TV

LucianH

I'm afraid this is another question related to new TV's. I've done enough research to determine the capabilities of the different display technologies, pros and cons, etc - but I'm having difficulty in understanding what's being offered for internet TV. For example, I've seen "Smart TV" and "Full Browsing" mention but don't know if this is different to "Internet TV"; I've also read that some brand's implementations of Internet TV are less capable than others.

My basic requirement is to link to a router (cable, not wireless) and be able to play "proper" programs such as iPlayer and 4OD (not bothered about general browsing or YouTube stuff). And when playing such programs I would like to easily be able to play in full screen mode rather than in an explorer type window (what I mean by this is is the way the wii app plays BBC iPlayer)

Can anybody provide an explanation of the different capabilities, or point me to a good link or relevant thread?

Thanks

Andrew1472

LucianH wrote: »

I'm afraid this is another question related to new TV's. I've done enough research to determine the capabilities of the different display technologies, pros and cons, etc - but I'm having difficulty in understanding what's being offered for internet TV. For example, I've seen "Smart TV" and "Full Browsing" mention but don't know if this is different to "Internet TV"; I've also read that some brand's implementations of Internet TV are less capable than others.

My basic requirement is to link to a router (cable, not wireless) and be able to play "proper" programs such as iPlayer and 4OD (not bothered about general browsing or YouTube stuff). And when playing such programs I would like to easily be able to play in full screen mode rather than in an explorer type window (what I mean by this is is the way the wii app plays BBC iPlayer)

Can anybody provide an explanation of the different capabilities, or point me to a good link or relevant thread?

Thanks

I can't give you a detailed answer, but I can tell you that Sony's are capable of doing what you want, although I don't see 4OD on mine yet. Sony demo video here http://www.sony.co.uk/hub/lcd-television/tutorials/sharing/article/id/1237479586895
Picture quality suffers though, as you might expect with streaming, and navigation to the programme you want is soooo slow.
Finding an iplayer programme on the pc takes no time, finding it on the tv using the remote to "type" is no fun at all. Imagine using the tv remote to send a text message and you've got the idea.
Needless to say I use it rarely. I would rather wait for a repeat if I can.

Get an instore demo is probably the best idea.

It might be worth asking this question or searching over at AVForums.

baby_frogmella

Buy a TV for its picture quality rather than its internet capability...and even if it does have web connectivity, it won't be able to do everything.

I suggest you go for the Boxee Box. A few months ago i bought one which i've hooked up to my 42" Kuro plasma tv. Think of it as a small PC but smaller/quieter and can play anything you throw on it both online and offline. You can play iPlayer, 4OD, youtube etc. My favourite app on the Boxee is Netflix...i pay £5 a month and can watch unlimited movies online streamed to my TV:p Of course i have to use a VPN as Netflix is only available in USA. (just like iplayer is only available in UK).

http://www.which.co.uk/technology/tv-and-dvd/reviews-ns/d-link-boxee-box-/
http://forums.boxee.tv/forumdisplay.php?f=1