New Smart TV - how does this interact with Virgin V+ cable set top box

jem16

littlerock wrote: »

Does the smart tv have to connect directly into the router by hdmi cable or can it pick up the signal downstairs via wifi?

That depends on the TV - some have WiFi and some don't. You can use Homeplugs to connect wired via your electricity cables.

Is there any conflict of interest between watching V+ channels, and now tv (which is sky)?

No.

When we have a paid for app, like mlb or netflix, will that just appear as an alternative option on the home screen, alongside Virgin and Now and Iplayer etc?

The apps will appear via whatever screen allows it from the TV. Virgin has nothing to do with that and you would switch the source of the TV to HDMI to view Virgin.

[Deleted User]

littlerock wrote: »

If all the options are available on a Virgin box, why do people buy smart tvs?

Probably because most modern TVs are SMART by default. You might just as well ask why people have Virgin Catch Up services when they have SMART TVs..

Netflix and ITVPlayer are also available through Virgin…

littlerock wrote: »

Does the smart tv have to connect directly into the router by hdmi cable or can it pick up the signal downstairs via wifi?

You'll need to connect it via Ethernet, not HDMI. You may well be able to receive it over Wi-Fi, but local conditions and your broadband speed will obviously affect this. You'll only know for sure when you try.

DCFC79

Smart TVs are fine OP but bear in mind the apps available may only have a certain life eg they stop supporting the apps.

You would be better off buying a now to box.

Neil_Jones

Don't need to pay again. Just get a cheap & cheerful Freeview box for c.£20, connect your aerial to that, connect the box to the TV and Bob's your uncle.

littlerock

I am in the process of identifying a SMART tv to buy. I am trying to work out how many HDMI ports I need. I have come up with 4.

1. I have cable into my house and will be connecting the new tv to my existing V+ HD set top box. My current SD tv is connected to the V+ box via SCART but the new smart tv will need HDMI interface (acc to Virgin web site), (And yes I know there is some duplication between V+ box and smart tv but there are long boring reasons why I need to keep using the V+ box.)

2. I also want to get a Blu Ray player for my collection of DVDs (will it also play CD?). I assume this needs an HDMI connection to the tv.

3. I anticipate getting a sound bar for my new tv. Another HDMI connection.

Now the tricky one. I watch a number of specialist shows on cable and like to record these from time to time. I have a DVD player /recorder I use for this. I am assuming this will need to connect to the TV via HDMI.

This makes 4 HDMI connections. Most smart tvs do not seem to have as many as this. Am I missing something here?

savemoney

On mine I have 4 and all used. I have a soundbar (Samsung) it connects wireless to Samsung smart tv and also has bluetooth. I have as follows.

Pc
Roku streaming stick
Youview box
hdmi switcher has 3 ports. We have xbox one, bluray, android box

The tv is smart but tbh I use smart capabilities on roku stick or youview box now.

Bluray player should play dvds fine

JJ_Egan

I use 4 .
Chromecast Android box Freeview Recorder
BT You View .

VisionMan

I have four devices with only 2 HDMI cables into the TV.

YouView, Freeview recorder, Bluray player (and yes it will play CD's) and a games console all going into a 5 in 1 (HDMI) Yamaha AV amp, which then go out into the TV via 1 HDMI lead. Then 1 HDMI out from the TV which is used by a laptop.

Futuristic

Depending on the Soundbar it will probably connect over optical than HDMI.

But yes sadly it seems the newer TVs seem to only have <2-3 HDMI ports these days.

almillar

littlerock:
1. Virgin box
2. Blu-Ray Player

I count 2 definites. Soundbar - this might connect to the TV via optical cable. Make sure your TV has an optical output (sometimes called TOSLINK). If it does have HDMI, you might be connecting the other boxes THROUGH it, into the TV. The TV is at the end of the line. This is how home cinema stuff works - connect everything to the amp, and let it pass on the picture. Let's leave the soundbar till later.

This recorder box you want - I assume your Virgin box is a recorder? If storing these programmes on the Virgin box isn't good enough, then I suggest that you buy a Blu-Ray recorder instead of player. This will be one box for several jobs.