Is Smart tv and 3D all its cracked up to be - need to buy a new tv!

almillar

hubby will like the idea of beaming stuff direct to it from his phone - and we use netflix so i think i will be able to use that app on it?

So which smart TV does these things then? You need to check. Don't assume ALL smart TVs have the same features, they absolutely do not.

Smart TV's are good for internet usage, streaming films, Netflix, Lovefilm etc. and anyone who uses Facebook and other social apps, however I find general browsing to be a bit of a pain.

As above.

[Deleted User]

FYI - the 'beaming' is called DLNA. It's only supported for 'files' so you can't beam the contents of your phone screen using it. It's a bit fiddly if you don't have the right software on your phone (it's built into the Samsung G S3)

If you've got an iphone/ipad, you might be much better off buying an apple TV box; since it can 'beam' the entire contents of the screen

grumpycrab

I'm a believer in electrical items sticking to their core functionality and so a TV should be good ...TV. And a separate box for recording/catchup (e.g. Youview on the terrestrial side).

I'm sure that one day a TV will do it all. Not sure if we're there yet.

InsideInsurance

ringo_24601 wrote: »

If you've got an iphone/ipad, you might be much better off buying an apple TV box; since it can 'beam' the entire contents of the screen

There are some exceptions due to DRM, the 4OD app (at least the last time I tried) will only share the sound with an AppleTV and not the picture.

donnajunkie

moomoominx wrote: »

Well the time has come to buy a new tv - at the mo we have a lovely 47" lg tv - but the screen has started to burn / shadow so seems a good time to renew - we want to stay at 47" - but you know how it is as we have had lg for the last 6 yrs it would be easy to stay the same brand - but am open to suggestions? also is it worth buying a 3D tv (wont be paying for 3d channels via sky!) with smart tv - or just one with smart tv? is it all its cracked up to be - i like the idea of the interaction etc via smart tv - but not sure if its even worth the extra money for 3d? - Ive read somewhere that some of the tvs upscale 'normal' 2d tv to 3D? - just so much choice - offers out there just thought id ask the trusty members on here for oppinions - also if you know any decent deals i have missed let me know lol - many thanks :):):beer:

do you actually have sky at all? i ask because if your package is at a minimum of the entertainment extra package or you have the hd package then sky 3d is now free. you have to activate it though which can be easily done through the website. 3d is also available via blu ray, video games and the smart tv function. i have seen a 42 inch 3d tv in action and it is very good. yes they do upscale 2d to 3d(if you wish) but it isnt as good as actual 3d. smart tv functions are good if you like the idea of accessing the net through your tv and useing things like iplayer on your tv.
this is the tv i have experienced.

http://www.richersounds.com/product/tv---all/lg/42lm620t/lg-42lm620t

i believe currys currently have a 3d lg tv reduced from £700 to £500. i dont know it it compares to the one above though.

donnajunkie

almillar wrote: »

Find a TV with a good picture, first and foremost (it may or may not have smart or 3D). You can add better sound, and you can add 'smartness' but you're stuck with the picture.

i believe as 3d tvs need extra processing power for the 3d that that ultimately means they are likely to have a better 2d picture compared to the equivalent none 3d tv. i know the 3d tv i have seen has the best 2d picture i have ever seen.

custardy

moomoominx wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies - certainly food for thought! - Think 3D is a no no - a gimmick i can do without - even my neighbours dont use theirs anymore - after boasting about it for all of about 2 weeks! lol - think i will go with the smart tv - hubby will like the idea of beaming stuff direct to it from his phone - and we use netflix so i think i will be able to use that app on it? save firing up the xbox everytime i want to watch a film - and thanks for the link elliot_fox - looks like a good tv for the money - now for the moral dillemma - my tv is fine at the moment - so do i sell it via the world of swaphop/ebay - or send it to the world of slowly ageing tvs - the shed lol

for me smart really boils down to what you have and whats available on the TV
We have a 50" LG smart TV
however my set up of VM Tivo box and networked PC to the theater system renders it moot
I find the 360/ps3 far faster to use than the TV for catch up TV (if you exclude the Tivo)
The PC running xbox media centre is king for network play of music,pictures and video

donnajunkie

InsideInsurance wrote: »

3D is ok but not great. There is little in broadcast for 3D and Sky 3D is not at full resolution due to the side by side picture method they've used.

Blu Ray 3D is much better but it can be a pain to get it working sometimes. Even with top end kit and connectors you can occasionally get some films that refuse to play in 3D - all films work on my system other than The Hobbit which insists my system is not 3D compatible.

I wouldnt pay extra to have 3D but I wouldnt run away from a TV just because it does have it.

the tv i have mentioned has had no issues with 3d at all. the hobbit 3d blu ray you mention works fine. if it gets lower res picture at all you cant tell as the picture quality is excellent.

donnajunkie

InsideInsurance wrote: »

There are some exceptions due to DRM, the 4OD app (at least the last time I tried) will only share the sound with an AppleTV and not the picture.

even if 4od isnt included you can access the net and therefore access 4od that way.

S0litaire

InsideInsurance wrote: »

An interesting idea but where/ how did you "see" it?

With active 3D glasses this would require a fair amount of work as the glasses alternatively black out one eye, it would therefore require reprogramming or rewiring the glasses so that it blacks out both eyes or lets both eyes see rather than just making two rights or two lefts

Yhey use "Passive" 3D glasses. (like the ones you get a the cinema) the games glasses have either both left or right lenses if you use the normal 3D glasses you'll get a headache! lol

Passive 3D is a lot better than "Active" 3D since their is no flickering (less eye strain) and the glasses are cheap (pick then up from your local cinema lol)

I've a 47inch LG Passive 3D TV and I love it
Friday night is 3D Movie night at my place (thanks to my Lovefilm subscription)