how to configure new TV, freeview and internet (internet via WiFi)

littlerock

Starting a new thread rather than piggybacking off someone else's. Just ordered new smart TV to replace existing not so smart one.

Want to try out Freeview as alternative to Virgin media cable TV ( we have VM bundle at present long since out of contract) and will cancel VM TV if Freeview seems ok. We have roof Ariel and cable entry points next to TV - just roof aerial not currently in use.

So 1. can I plug in VM cable and TV aerial to same TV and use both? will it need a special cable?

2. will I be able to use Freeview Play and access internet via WiFi? VM broadband router we use for the internet is in the room immediately above the TV room and router is almost directly above TV. The new TV is wifi enabled.
It is an LG 43uJ630v.

Debbie_Savard

I'd assume you have a VM cable box that connects via HDMI? The cable from the aerial socket to the TV will be a standard TV aerial cable.

If the aerial is serviceable for Freeview, the TV should scan and load the digital channels it can find into the menu.

>will I be able to use Freeview Play and access internet via WiFi<

Does the TV support Freeview Play? I'd expect you'll get iPlayer and the other catch-up services via apps in the TV.

littlerock

The TV comes with LGs WINOS3.5 operating system which I assume consolidates all the different channels into a viewable front screen?

Will the smart TV be able to consolidate the FreeView channels and the VM cable feed menus from two different sources?

Will it also be able to pick up the internet via the wifi from the VM router in the room above? At present the tv does not have a wifi option so have not used it in this way previously.

wongataa

To watch stuff on cable from Virgin Media you will have to switch the TV to use whatever input the VM box is connected to and then use the VM box to choose what to watch.

Televsions do not have cable tuners. You can't plug a cable TV cable into them and have it work.

The TV should connect to the WiFi. Browsing the internet on it won't be as good as on a computer though. Navigating the internet with a TV remote won't be fun.

littlerock

I was suggesting I plugged the VM cable feed into the VM set top box plugged into my TV AND at the same time plugged the aerial cable into its coax outlet. I was wondering if the tv's os could handle two different feeds from two different sources.

Separately I was wondering if I could watch a streaming service like Netflix on the new TV via WiFi. If a smart TV operates like a big smart phone] these days, shouldn't I be able to go online and watch Netflix on it? Are you saying Netflix and similar streaming services are only any good on a PC? How does Roku work? can you only watch that on a PC too?

EssexExile

With my smart TV I plugged it in & switched it on, it found the wifi, I put in the password & off you go.
It has apps for all the usual catch up services which all seem to have their own log in procedures.
You can surf the net as mine has a browser (does yours?) but, as Wongataa says, it's pretty awkward.
I don't have cable.

DCFC79

littlerock wrote: »

I was suggesting I plugged the VM cable feed into the VM set top box plugged into my TV AND at the same time plugged the aerial cable into its coax outlet. I was wondering if the tv's os could handle two different feeds from two different sources.

Separately I was wondering if I could watch a streaming service like Netflix on the new TV via WiFi. If a smart TV operates like a big smart phone] these days, shouldn't I be able to go online and watch Netflix on it? Are you saying Netflix and similar streaming services are only any good on a PC? How does Roku work? can you only watch that on a PC too?

LR

Yes you connect the TV to your WiFi and go to the Netflix app if it's available for the TV.

Netflix and other streaming services are good on a TV, imo the streaming services were made for use with a TV.

A Roku box connects via HDMI and connects to the internet using ethernet or wireless.

wongataa

littlerock wrote: »

I was suggesting I plugged the VM cable feed into the VM set top box plugged into my TV AND at the same time plugged the aerial cable into its coax outlet. I was wondering if the tv's os could handle two different feeds from two different sources.

You switch to the appropriate source to choose what you want to watch. Choose the TV source to watch Freeview broadcasts. Switch to the input the VM box is connected to to watch cable TV. Each source will be separate. The TV won't be able to control a VM box.

littlerock wrote: »

Separately I was wondering if I could watch a streaming service like Netflix on the new TV via WiFi. If a smart TV operates like a big smart phone] these days, shouldn't I be able to go online and watch Netflix on it?

If it comes with a Netflix app then yes you can.

almillar

So 1. can I plug in VM cable and TV aerial to same TV and use both? will it need a special cable?

VM cable is connected to the VM box. VM box then connects to TV via HDMI, I assume. To add Freeview, simply connect the aerial to the aerial (antenna) connection on the TV.

2. will I be able to use Freeview Play and access internet via WiFi? VM broadband router we use for the internet is in the room immediately above the TV room and router is almost directly above TV. The new TV is wifi enabled.
It is an LG 43uJ630v.

Will it also be able to pick up the internet via the wifi from the VM router in the room above?

Yes. Freeview Play adds online, catch up content via the internet, to the standard Freeview HD revceived via aerial. To get the extra play part, you need internet, whether that comes to your TV via WiFi or LAN cable. Who your broadband is with doesn't matter. If you are asking about WiFi strength or speed, we can't answer that as it's specific to your own home.

Will the smart TV be able to consolidate the FreeView channels and the VM cable feed menus from two different sources?

I was wondering if the tv's os could handle two different feeds from two different sources.

I hear webOS is nice on TVs (I loved it on Palm devices), but it won't be able to integrate the VM channels with the Freeview channels, I don't think. You'll still have something along the lines of a 'TV' input for Freeview, and 'HDMI1' for VM.

Separately I was wondering if I could watch a streaming service like Netflix on the new TV via WiFi. If a smart TV operates like a big smart phone

The Smart TV needs to have a Netflix app. Does yours? You need to check to the specs, of each TV, individually. If so, and for a monthly subscription, yes, you can have Netflix. As an alternative, some VM boxes have access to Netflix.

giraffe69

On most LG TVs there is 6 months free Netflix which you can activate from the app.