Smart tv and wifi

monty100

I am researching a new TV for my parents (they think I know about these!!). They would like a Samsung smart led TV (40 inch, no 3D) so that they can get BBC iplayer to watch the progs they miss. They have BT broadband, wireless router.

My question is will the TV pick up the wireless signal on its own, or do I need to get them something else to plug into the TV so that it picks up the signal? I have seen mention of people using dongles - would they need one of these?

I think they might also need a recording device, as I am not sure of their download allowance - any advice on one of these as well?

Thank you.

grumpycrab

Most "Samsung smart led" tvs have integrated wifi.

One question, if your parents have BT broadband would this not be useful?
http://www.productsandservices.bt.com/products/tv/youview-box
EDIT: this will record programmes and provide iplayer et al in one convenient box.

Althought smart tvs may be getting smarter, I think its useful to have clear function segragation (easier for oldies anyway!) - the TV does TV and the youview box does recording+catchup.

monty100

Thanks Grumpycrab.
This looks interesting. The only downside I can see is the router would need moving from the computer (in one room) to the TV and then they would need a wireless bit for the computer? Or is there another way round that? Would this be true for any recording device? The less disruption the better!

grumpycrab

http://www.youview.com/how-it-works/
Connect computer (well the router which I assume is connected to the computer) to the Youview box with a pair of "powerline adapters").

Yes these adapters use up 2 plugs and add more wires but are the best option if router and Youview box are not co-located.
EDIT: I wouldn't move the router to the TV unless the phone master socket (or extension) is near the TV.

EDIT: If you need advice on powerline adapters ask here. But these would do
http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/networks-pl500-500mbps-powerline-kit-24-99-currys-1625558

monty100

Ok so that would let them do on-demand. Or the link seems to suggest that they can plug it straight in through the aerial and use it as a straightforward recorder (planning ahead required) rather than doing on-demand through the broadband connection? This would get round any download limits they might have with their package (and I don't think they want to pay any more money to BT to upgrade). Might be simplest all round! (they are 80+: one 'does' computer, the other a complete technophobe!) And I'm 200 miles away which makes troubleshooting problematic!!

grumpycrab

The prime use of this box is :-
1. as a TV watcher (you watch TV through this box) and, for example, if the telephone rings, you hit the pause button. (called "pausing live tv")
2. to record upcoming programmes just like a normal recorder

The secondary funtion is iPlayer (ITV player etc). On-demand stuff doesn't need to be mentioned.

EDIT: you can buy a youview box without talking to BT... link coming...
**** CORRECTED LINK http://www.humaxdirect.co.uk/product.asp?ProdRef=20032 ******
QUESTION. What broadband allowance do they currently have? If they are likely to watch ALOT of catchup (forgetting to record stuff for example) then it may be worth switching to an unlimited package. Its much less hastle for most people.

EDIT2: the HUMAX package I showed is for convenience; the powerline adapters they include -althought top quality - may be purchased cheaper at another retailer.

monty100

Thanks Grumpycrab. You have been so helpful. Much clearer in my own mind now. I will check with them re their package and have a chat about what they want to do.

Inner_Zone

Do they actually want a new TV and or recoding facilities? If they only want Iplayer a £10 Now TV box would give them that.

monty100

Hi Inner Zone.

Yes they do want a new TV - they have an old flat screen CRT one (brilliant picture) which is a bit too small in their rather large lounge. Looking for minimum 40" and the whole i-player/recording thing is mainly to catch progs on BBC 4 that they miss due to early bedtimes!!

cookie365

Not all Samsung Smart TVs have wifi built in. Some require you to connect either a network cable to your router or plug in a USB wifi dongle.

Check the specs before buying if you go down this route. If you need a wifi dongle, then unless you're going to hack the dongle's firmware you will probably find you have to buy the Samsung branded one.

AndyPK

Yeah it does appear you need the branded ones which are loads of money!