Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Priorities :lol:

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Not many people want a laptop or PC sat next to their TV.

I've had the Samsung TV since last August and only had one firmware update that worked without a hitch. You can also set it up to download and update when the TV is actually switched off.

If it breaks down start again in what way ? I can only comment on Samsung as that is what I have but it 'remembers' what 'apps' are installed (BBC Iplayer etc) and installs them again automatically.

I have a media player (XBMC) on my TV's which in my opinion works better than any PC based media centre can but the OP wanted a non techie method for netflix etc and a Smart TV does that

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

What a jolly understanding wife you are ;)

To be honest, I'm not really a telly addict. Yes, it's 'on' but mostly the choice here is dross. So i thought if I'm going to buy new, I may as well buy smart so then I have more choice if I do want to watch some good telly (BBC etc.).

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Exactly my point. I don't want heaps of wires connected to laptops and various other things....just simple plug and go technology. I like the idea that it remembers your apps...

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Don't all wives watch porn with their husbands....






(and no, my wife doesn't frequent this site :) )

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

All I know is that there are folders on our media drive that I never want to open :)

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

(and no, my wife doesn't frequent this site :) )[/QUOTE]

Chicken!

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

With my VPN I can get both UK and US Netflix.

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

That sounds just the ticket! So.....you have to pay the two amounts? (not that it's a big deal, since Netflix is cheap!) but just wondering how this all works! I can see me getting into a right old pickle!

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

if you get a service like US unblock , you just aoy your normal netflix subscription once but then you can chnage whwre netflix thinks you are.
we have access to UK / US and Canada netflix for one subscription price
(plus whatever US unblock costs)

I manage it so it can't be that hard

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Are we back onto the folders on that media drive again...

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

you know , I deliberately posted that to see who'd rise to the occasion!

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Excellent, sounds good. I'm not a complete numpty but I do find gadgets and tech stuff a bit confusing......it's the 'geek' stuff I struggle with and I'm not good with reading instructions. I tend to rip open the box like an excited child, throw the box, skim through the instructions at lightening speed *bored with that, throw* and try to work it out myself. This usually ends in swearing at telly (like it the telly's fault!) or other tech gadget and revert back to instructions.

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Boys eh?! ;)

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

And you can rely on me. I don't like to let the ladies down :)

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Hello chaps, been out looking at Smart TV's. Nobody in the stores we visited could tell us whether we can access UK Netflix on a smart tv. Any ideas?

We were also advised that if we go the normal HD route and buy an X-Box or PS3, we'd get the same smart options but......how would I use expat shield on there?

I am officially fried. It's so complicated! :blink:

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

We bought a 47" LG 3D Smart TV in the boxing day sales. Wasn't too concerned with the 3D bit, never seen anything in 3D and don't really expect to but the TV had a very good picture and decent price.

We found the Youtube stuff over the internet is a bit sluggish (kids like to see the odd Peppa Pig cartoon).

The best thing with the smart TV so far is the ability to plug an external hard drive full of TV and Movie files into a USB port.

One day may try Netfix etc.

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Why would you expect anyone working in a Canadian store to know if you could access UK Netflix? People have explained how to do that here, because they are British. The majority of Canadians are not going to know, nor be interested.

If you can get Netflix on the smart tv, then you can configure it to get UK netflix, as has been explained before.

:confused:

Edit: You would also have to set up a PS3 or X-box account if you go that route.

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

I guessed that but knew the peops on here would know. It seems the actual smart tv can't be fiddled with (from what they were saying in-store). Something to do with licensing laws. Was just wondering whether you can use expat shield with x-box.

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

So still pondering this whole telly mess. I was told at The source that i have to go with a bundle package as the apartment I'm moving to hasn't been registered as multi-dwelling so i have to get phone (which is next to useless), net and cable. They advised against smart tv as I wouldn't be able to get netflix other than what is already on telly or bbc iplayer etc and advised I go with HD telly and laptop so I can obtain expat shield. Still have to go with that bundle though, which would be $80 first six months, $120 thereafter. I was going to use skype phone so miffed at paying $23/month for a phone that only enables me to call local.

Has anyone used this? http://www.ex-pat.tv/ and, if so, is it any good?

I'm a bit miffed it could all be so confusing and so expensive.

I really don't know what to do. Yes, in the grand scheme of things it's not that important but with an 18yr old in tow, it somehow is.

Any thoights fellow BE peops. The Source say I have to sign today to get $100 off tv and $50 off x-box/laptop. I asked earlier whether you can do this ex-pat shield thing with x-box. Any ideas?

Sorry to be so confused......

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

I'm pretty sure they are talking absolute sh*t and as Siouxie said, they are actually unlikely to know as they wouldn't need to.

As stated (and others have on here) I have a Samsung Smart TV, when I first set up the TV I set it up as in the United Kingdom (Configuring your Samsung TV as a UK TV using the remote control >> 2 8 9 << (>> = Fast Forward, << = Rewind) and choose UK option)

Install Iplayer and whatever else you want from the Samsung App store. Netflix is installed as standard.

I use overplay.net at $4 a month for their Smart DNS service. The IP address you are given when subscribing to overplay (you can get a 7 day trial if you wanted to see how easy it is) is put into the settings on the Samsung TV and that's it.

As for having to go to with a bundle package - why ? Just tell them you already have satellite or something and you just want the internet. I use my internet for an IP phone which is cheap to call anywhere and everywhere and also for a lot of my TV watching.

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Not a fan of Samsung products from experiences I have had with them..... just sayin'. YMMV.

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

From my personal experience I've never had any issues with Samsung.

The TV's I had in the UK were all Samsung (one LG actually in a bedroom), the surround sound system I had in the UK and brought with me and the 2 TV's (so far as I'm just doing the basement) here are both Samsung as I've never had any issues with them.

The TV's I had in the UK were't smart TV's.

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Like I said YMMV

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Having said that - if I did get another Samsung it might prove to be a Friday afternoon build and be a nightmare :)

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

We have 3 Samsung tv's (2 42" and a 3D 52" one) and have absolutely no problem with them.

As to what the Source told you - why are they trying to sell you a 'bundle' or internet? You only want to buy a TV!

It is up to you and your landlord what, if any, bundle you get and from who. Chances are you will be limited as to 'who' depending on where you are living (most providers around this area have specific zones they supply).

First thing to do is to call your landlord (if you haven't already moved in) and ask him who his provider is and whether there are any services already in the apartment.

Don't get pressured into buying services from the Source, if they don't want to sell you what you have specifically asked for, go elsewhere - they will nearly all 'price match' or better, so if you can get it cheaper at the Source go to Futureshop or Bestbuy (or even Sears) and ask them to match it!

:)

Edited to say, you don't have to have telephone service, you can choose tv and internet alone and you don't have to bundle. You will probably find you have to use either Cogeco or Rogers - check with your landlord :)

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

+1

I use to have a Samsung and no prob's with it - gave it away when I went overseas. I now have a 52" (gotta love big tv's) Sharp AQUOS LED 3D TV - it had better picture in a side by side comparision with a Samsung. I got the 3D upgrade for the same price as without as it has a better processor.

No one's mentioned it, but the best investment I made was buying a smart remote - 100x better than any remote you get with your gadgets.

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Never feel pressured on price for any TV/computer products. The reason: the price is always going down! The longer you wait the "more product" you can get for your buck. Just do your research (as your doing here) and when you know exactly what you want go out and look for the best deal and buy.

Also agree with Siouxie on not expecting too much knowledge on UK matters from the shop staff. But be thankful that at least you're speaking to Best Buy or Source assistants and not Currys or PC World know nothings!

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Zoe has the best idea. You are going to be looking at this TV for a few years so get the TV with the best picture in your budget. Don't worry about smart TV or other features so much - if you get them, great, if not it's no big deal. Media boxes that do the same thing are not expensive.

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

I agree with getting the best you can within your budget but I think the OP wanted a solution that didn't have seperate boxes etc for watching UK TV & Netflix so was looking at the smart tv solution.

As you say though - look around and there may be some good deals on Smart TV's being the same/similar price to a 'non-Smart' option.

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

I always do !!!

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Something like:
this perhaps?

HDMI into the TV. Wireless (or wired) connection to your home network/internet connection.

could even plug in a wireless mouse so you aren't faffing around with crappy remotes - a quaint way to control a television.

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Does a similar thing to the Raspberry Pi which is only £35 to buy.

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Thanks peops for all the help you've given me, even if some of it has baffled me somewhat.

So after last night and not buying anything, I decided I'm going to buy an ordinary HD tv with an x-box (my son will love me, as will his mates!) and just go with internet. I could have gone with basic cable but the choice was crud and I have a Skype phone, which is great.

Now the best bit....figuring out how to set it all up when said items are purchased.

Not knocking Canada but it was much easier in the UK...just pop down to Tesco, buy a telly and a freeview plus box. Done. Even I could work that one out ;)

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

And just when I thought I'd made a decision!!!!

My son's friends come round after school and say with x-box you have to subscribe ($60/yr) for live somethingorother and it's not a blueray player, whereas the playstation is free and is blue ray.

I think I may just get a radiogram instead!

Any thoughts chaps?

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

hehe. If you thought the TV was a difficult one then asking about a playstation or xbox will be one for everyone to agree/disagree on :)

I'd say a playstation without a doubt but know others will say xbox.

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

I'm sure you're not allowed to swear on the forums ;):rofl:

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

I know, i know......ask anything about techy stuff and this forum lights up!

So, I looked at reviews and playstation apparently does more and gives more. I am officially going with playstation. I have made my final, yes FINAL decision, I think.....;)

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Xbox is better.

Re: Smart TV - would you?
 

Now you are going to confuse things :p