Confused about Smart TV

nearlyrich

I would like to connect up to on demand internet TV services such as I player on my current none smart LCD TV. I want to keep my HDMI connected DVD/HDD recorder mainly for the Freeview TV recording.

I have done some research and I am confused about what I need to do this without spending a fortune:

These are my options I think:

1 Pay for BT vision ( I don't really want to do this as I think it would involve cables between the router and the TV Box and these things have a habit of going up in price even if the deal looks good at the beginning)

2 Buy a networkable Blu Ray Player and connect it to my TV by HDMI and wirelessly to my router,I have seen a Samsung model for about £90 in Tesco anyone know of any others?

3 Connect my laptop every time I want to watch catch up TV

2 and 3 would need some way of splitting the HDMI connector as we only have one HDMI port on the TV , I don't want to have to remember to switch a physical switch so that the HDD recorder can record on the timer ( although there are 2 tuners in the HDD Recorder box so that might be me worrying about something I don't have to worry about!)

Can anyone advise what I need in terms of hardware and cables to achieve this please? my brain is mushed now!:o

penrhyn

Before I got an internet enabled TV I used to use my wii for iplayer viewing, I guess that you can do the same with a PS3 or Xbox.

The Samsung BD5300 has iplayer.

Heinz

It probably depends on how much you want to get from internet-based TV offerings. If you just want BBC iPlayer, a wii is entirely adequate (connects wirelessly to your router too - which saves hassle).

nearlyrich

We don't have any consoles as the kids have grown up and moved out, done some more research on the Samsung and they have a 500gb Blu Ray combo too but it's £250:eek:

I think a £5 HDMI cable from the laptop is my best bet for now...I only want to watch a few catch up TV channels.

If anyone has any more ideas please post them up;)

flashg67

I bought a small PC (less than £100) on ebay with a DVI video connection (as his easily converts to HDMI for my TV but you'll need to connect a 3.5mm audio lead for sound also)) and I use this to watch internet TV & DVDs. (Also have a large hard drive that I've ripped most of my DVD's onto to watch via the PC).

As I only have one HDMI input on the TV, I put the DVD & Freeview on scart leads as they aren't true HD anyway.

Mine's like this - very small and neat - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DELL-OPTIPLEX-745-PENTIUM-D-3-0-GHz-ULTRA-SMALL-FORM-FACTOR-DESKTOP-PC-2811-/251013578719?pt=UK_Computing_DesktopPCs&hash=item3a71933fdf

Edit - there are hdmi switches available, but the 'auto' ones seem to be £50+ that I've seen

nearlyrich

Just got a cable on ebay will start with the laptop and maybe if I use it lots will think about upgrading the DVD player... thanks for all suggestions.

macman

No need for long ethernet cables, just use a pair of Homeplugs.

nearlyrich

Got a HDMI cable that works from Ebay for about £4 watching catch up TV no problem....