New TV. Want to get movies...

iglimpse

Got new big Panasonic viera 3D tv a few months ago. We also bought a panasonic HD recorder blu ray at the same time.

To be honest, I have not really used it that much yet (have my tv and free view box upstairs). OHalf does monopolise it a lot, so I am not that familiar with all the functions. We don't have any other game type devices or SKY.

:rotfl::rotfl:Please don't laugh at this but over Xmas, I would really like to watch some good recent movies. I have heard about Netflix and lovefilm. I have been to both their websites to try and figure out how it all works (I don't want the postal services) but I am still confused :undecided:

It appears that our new whizzy smart tv is not enough to use either of these 2 film providers, they mention playing through games consoles etc.......am I right, or not

What would I need to buy before I can use either Netflix or lovefilm, grateful for any advice please.

UsernameAlreadyExists

A "cheap (donkey) as-ss" internet capable device which you can connect to the TV via an HDMI cable. I use an Acer Revo myself (several years old), and have both an X-Box and a PS/3 as alternatives. you're right, a "smart tv" isn't actually that smart just yet. I may stand corrected though and I am a few years out of date.

Fruit_and_Nut_Case

iglimpse wrote: »

It appears that our new whizzy smart tv is not enough to use either of these 2 film providers, they mention playing through games consoles etc.......am I right, or not

I have just bought a Samsung Smart TV for the bedroom. It has apps for NETFLIX and LOVEFILM. Is there perhaps a Panasonic App Store that you can go to to see if there are equivalent ones for your TV?

Heinz

There are plenty of boxes that can connect your new TV to your router by cable or wifi to enable you to watch Netflix etc. (Apple TV is just one).

You want to be a little devious with Netflix though because the UK version is pretty content limited - so you want to get the USA version. Here's how:

https://blockless.com/

Neil49

iglimpse wrote: »

It appears that our new whizzy smart tv is not enough to use either of these 2 film providers, they mention playing through games consoles etc.......am I right, or not

What would I need to buy before I can use either Netflix or lovefilm, grateful for any advice please.

My girlfriend bought a smart tv some time ago and I found that when quickly checking what it did, the online offerings were fairly limited.

Recently I decided to connect it to the internet and ran a software update. The update then loaded a large number of online tv options including online films.

So, before going much farther with this, I suggest you connect your tv to the internet and update your tv software to see what additional built in features you get.

Del_Astra

I have my Panasonic connected to the Internet, I also have a sony blu-ray that was £65 that came with 6 or 8 Blu-Rays connected to the internet, it is a very basic player. I use the Sony for watching movies via lovefilm instant, as it is not availble via the TV. I assume the TV done an update when you plugged it in, I know mines did. I did read a couple months back that lovefilm would be "coming soon" to the Pany, but I haven't kept upto date with as I can get it via blu-ray.

I note you say recent / up to date movies, I have only seen a few netflix moves, I have a lovefilm sub that includes lovefilm instant. It depends how you define recent and up to date, but have a good look, some people say they aren't that up to date. I'm happy with my lovefilm service, but I use the old fashioned postal method as well. I also find it handy for Wii games, especially when the kids request one that might not be suitable, I can try before I purchase it for the kids.

Just make sure either site is for you, both offer a free trial so maybe use that to decide what one you prefer or if its worth getting both. I do hear a few people complain its not up to date, but then perhaps they are expecting to watch movies still showing in the cinema that have yet to be released on DVD or Blu-ray.