Using a smart TV for browsing the web?

Buster_Danog

Is there really much point in the smart TV apps or can you just plug your computer into the TV and browse the web / Youtube etc. in that way??

I have been looking at the LG 42 inch smart tv from Richer Sounds / John Lewis for 500 which is also a 3D TV, but I am beginning to doubt the browsing experience is going to be very good.

There must be some convenience from the Youtube and BBCiplayer Apps, but I am probably interested in using the TV as a monitor in any case so will be hooking up the computer to it.

Anyone got opinions on whether Samsung or LG is better for the browsing side of things?

StevieJ

Sergeant_Troy wrote: »

Is there really much point in the smart TV apps or can you just plug your computer into the TV and browse the web / Youtube etc. in that way??

I have been looking at the LG 42 inch smart tv from Richer Sounds / John Lewis for 500 which is also a 3D TV, but I am beginning to doubt the browsing experience is going to be very good.

There must be some convenience from the Youtube and BBCiplayer Apps, but I am probably interested in using the TV as a monitor in any case so will be hooking up the computer to it.

Anyone got opinions on whether Samsung or LG is better for the browsing side of things?

I have just bought an LG smart tv and the streaming from Lovefilm/Blinkbox/Iplayer is faultless, on my laptop I tend to get buffering. I must say I am surpisingly impressed by my new tv especially the downloadable phone app that converts my phone into a mouse to facilitate easier browsing.

[Deleted User]

Sergeant_Troy wrote: »

I am beginning to doubt the browsing experience is going to be very good.

They are not good for browsing (no keyboard for a start) unless you have a computer hooked up to them as you plan.
By connecting a computer you will circumvent many of the SMART features anyhow. In your situation I'd be looking for reviews based on picture and sound quality rather than SMART applications.

Buster_Danog

Hmmm, on youtube there are definitely videos of guys using the Samsung with wireless keyboard and mouse seemingly with the Samsung browser. As for the LG, I'm not sure if it is possible but it might be.

So I guess that is exactly what I am asking - how do they perform as monitors?

brewerdave

Very subjective answer.......but I have both LG and Samsung LCD TVs -both ~ 3 years old - the LG, in MY view, gives a better image quality when I plug the laptop or PC in via VGA. Haven't got a PC with HDMI out to test unfortunately.

poppasmurf_bewdley

You cannot use a smart TV to replace your computer. I have a three month old LG Smart 50" plasma TV which is unable to display many videos because it is incapable of downloading updated Flashplayer, unless physically connected to a computer via HDMI.

There is loads on the web about this problem. Google LG TV not playing videos.

I don't know if the same applies to Samsung.

[Deleted User]

poppasmurf_bewdley wrote: »

You cannot use a smart TV to replace your computer. .

The OP wants to hook up the TV to use as a monitor, not use instead of the PC.

almillar

Any 1080p TV will perform excellently as a monitor. You really want to use HDMI (you can get away with DVI) rather than VGA as you could get shadowing at this resolution. You MUST make sure that your TV can display 1:1, pixel by pixel, just scan, no overscan, or probably some other names too. Your TV will have 1920x1080 pixels, your graphics card should be set to output this, and your TV should leave the picture alone. Overscan is for broadcast TV and just wrecks computer pictures. If you can't see the Start menus, the TV is overscanning. Also make sure sharpness is at zero (not sharpening or softening).
If there's a 'game' or 'PC' mode this turns off some of the processing that the TV does to reduce lag - this isn't important for iPlayer, films etc, just games so leave it off if not playing.
And of course, spend a wee bit of time calibrating! Goto youtube and watch the BBC HD test card which will help you make sure you're getting pixel for pixel, and help with any colours that are too bright.

Buster_Danog

Thanks guys. I ill probably go with the LG, but it would be good if the LG can do some browsing with a keyboard and mouse to save me turning the computer on - just for looking up the odd thing here and there.

Anyway, with the wireless connection at home now I will be able to browse the web on a smartphone too. Maybe I am thinking too much here, but 500 on a TV is lot and I want to make sure I get the best one.

poppasmurf_bewdley

Sergeant_Troy wrote: »

Thanks guys. I ill probably go with the LG, but it would be good if the LG can do some browsing with a keyboard and mouse to save me turning the computer on - just for looking up the odd thing here and there.

Anyway, with the wireless connection at home now I will be able to browse the web on a smartphone too. Maybe I am thinking too much here, but 500 on a TV is lot and I want to make sure I get the best one.

There's no problem with that. My LG will browse my Facebook, YouTube, BBC Homepage, etc with no problem. It's when you want to start watching videos that the problems start.

StevieJ

poppasmurf_bewdley wrote: »

There's no problem with that. My LG will browse my Facebook, YouTube, BBC Homepage, etc with no problem. It's when you want to start watching videos that the problems start.

I have played quite a few Youtube/IplayerBlinkbox/Lovefilm videos and not had a problem with any. My LG tv was only released in April so maybe they have fixed that problem. Have you tried updating your software recently?