Smart TVs
-
-
Howdy sports and tech fans. I'm in the market for a new tv. 42" or so, easy connectivity to YouTube, Netflix, Sky Go etc, and a decent speaker. Any advice please?
We have a Panasonic OLED TV, colours are great (they are great with black, so images are so lifelike for movies and stuff). Our one had pre-loaded apps for Netflix, Spark, Neon, but not Disney+, which I link via chromecast. LG actually make the panels and are highly regarded, but I think we got a good deal at the QBD sales a couple of years ago
-
My Plasma died the other day so looking as well.
Worth a read:
-
@canefan good advice, thanks. I forgot about Disney.
Ok so I'm gonna sound like a real old man here but can I get a tv on which I can just dial up any app we use or will I only get a tv pre loaded with some and I'll still have to use Chrome cast for others? -
@canefan good advice, thanks. I forgot about Disney.
Ok so I'm gonna sound like a real old man here but can I get a tv on which I can just dial up any app we use or will I only get a tv pre loaded with some and I'll still have to use Chrome cast for others?The Firmware in the TV will decide how 'smart' it is what the apps are and whether the apps get updates/upgrades.
Personally I find it better to rely on a separate device to connect to the apps as that is their reason for being so you get to control and update what you want.
I use an Amazon FireStick for apps although as I also have a Voda TV that is sometimes the remote at hand and I can do everything but Disney and AppleTV+ on that directly (Netflix, Neon, TVNZ, Three, Youtube and more). I keep the Firestick registered in the UK and have all the Brit TV apps on that. Pay $7 a month for 'StreamLocator' which then means I can access BBC, ITV, 4 along with being able to set Netflix and Disney to whatever country I want to access their libraries.Cast SkySports now to TV from iPad.
EDIT: Got a bit away from the OP in that post but short story is that you will possibly get better bang for buck on the picture/sound quality if you ignore the 'smart' features and replace those with a third party gadget.
Ask for best picture/sound TVs to look at then compare to see if you are paying a premium for the smart part over and above the cost of a separate gadget (which are quite cheap) -
I always suggest an AppleTV over Chromecast etc as it's my preference as I prefer a box than casting from a phone/tablet/computer. Plus if you buy it before the end of June or July (I think) you'll get a years subscription to AppleTV+.
Looking to the future apps on your TV are unlikely to be upgraded as much as standalone devices.
-
@shark You can find out what operating system is running the TV you are thinking about. If it is an Android OS you can just download whatever apps you want straight from the Google Play store. Mine has got Netflix, Prime Video, TVNZ, Three Now, Neon but there are dozens more that can be added
-
-
Righto so based on this feedback I'll probably just get a decent box and keep relying on Chrome cast predominantly, with any apps on the tv a bonus. And I'll add a soundbar and wireless subwoofer.
big question is LED or OLED, and what flavour of crazy LED now available is the way to go. When you decide, let me know - I'm wanting the holy grail of a screen for a bright room with lots of reflections, and also a wide viewing angle
-
I always suggest an AppleTV over Chromecast etc as it's my preference as I prefer a box than casting from a phone/tablet/computer. Plus if you buy it before the end of June or July (I think) you'll get a years subscription to AppleTV+.
Looking to the future apps on your TV are unlikely to be upgraded as much as standalone devices.
Yep, not a good idea to connect TVs directly to the internet. Some dodgy apps have been found, and you won’t get the latest features for the various streaming devices.
-
Something to consider is that consoles offer apps and online options as well, and that chromecasts are only as good as the device casting.
Edit: a TV the same brand as your phone might allow screen sharing which is usually better than casting, but an actual device attached to the TV is the best option. We just use an old PC, works wonders.
-
These are good websites for TV reviews:
Reviews and Ratings
Find the best products for your needs, based on our reviews, ratings and recommendations.
-
Personally I’m very happy with our LG CX.
-
These are good websites for TV reviews:
Reviews and Ratings
Find the best products for your needs, based on our reviews, ratings and recommendations.
Geekzone forums can be worth a quick search as well. If a problem is inherent it may show up there.
-
How did I miss this thread!
Let me recall my experiences from last year, wasn’t very memorable tho…
-
@billy-tell said in Smart TVs:
Personally I’m very happy with our LG CX.
My last 2 or 3 tvs have been LG's.
Never had a problem with any of them, other then finding out they arent water resistant (fatal flaw)As said above most come with a range of preset apps, Netflix, Disney + etc.
Those are nice but id def recommend getting something like Apple TV. Have been using that for years as well, very easy to navigate even if your not a Apple user. Not cheap of course and it comes with a tiny remote that YOUR forever losing..I read somewhere ages ago that LG supplies other brands with their screens anyway.
-
-
I read somewhere ages ago that LG supplies other brands with their screens anyway.
They manufacture all OLED screens, including those of other brands
Which is why, with a bit of research, you can get some bargain 'no-name' TVs that are simply rebadged versions of big brands. The cost cutting may be in the 'smart' firmware (which, as seems to be the general conclusion here, is often best avoided) or in warranties.
-
I read somewhere ages ago that LG supplies other brands with their screens anyway.
They manufacture all OLED screens, including those of other brands
Which is why, with a bit of research, you can get some bargain 'no-name' TVs that are simply rebadged versions of big brands. The cost cutting may be in the 'smart' firmware (which, as seems to be the general conclusion here, is often best avoided) or in warranties.
It's all in the firmware as you say. We bought a Panasonic OLED because it was cheaper than the corresponding LG one
OLED vs QLED: Which TV tech is the best?
HDTVTest - TV Reviews 2024 – Best OLED & Mini LED TVs
