Smart TVs
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@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
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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
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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.
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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.
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These are good websites for TV reviews:
Reviews and Ratings
Find the best products for your needs, based on our reviews, ratings and recommendations.
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Personally I’m very happy with our LG CX.
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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.
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@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.
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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.
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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
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I wouldn't rely on your Smart TV for apps if you intend to keep the TV for a reasonable length of time. Manufacturers/developers have a habit of discontinuing support for built-in apps after a while. I also use an Apple TV and I am sure there will be some cheap 4th generation models available now as people upgrade to the 4K model.
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I read somewhere ages ago that LG supplies other brands with their screens anyway.
They manufacture all OLED screens, including those of other brands
Not quite true, Samsung produce their own screens but stopped making LCD's last year. They still make their own OLED screens and have invested heavily in the new Quantum Dot tech that you now see in their flagship models.
There are also other manufacturers as this Wikipedia page shows:
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I wouldn't rely on your Smart TV for apps if you intend to keep the TV for a reasonable length of time. Manufacturers/developers have a habit of discontinuing support for built-in apps after a while. I also use an Apple TV and I am sure there will be some cheap 4th generation models available now as people upgrade to the 4K model.
this was all i was going to add, we have a pretty good at the time Samsung LED circa 2017, it has stan and foxtel apps....but they don't really work properly, couldn't watch LIVE games on Stan, had to wait for the replay, weird annoying stuff like that
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@kiwiwomble said in Smart TVs:
I wouldn't rely on your Smart TV for apps if you intend to keep the TV for a reasonable length of time. Manufacturers/developers have a habit of discontinuing support for built-in apps after a while. I also use an Apple TV and I am sure there will be some cheap 4th generation models available now as people upgrade to the 4K model.
this was all i was going to add, we have a pretty good at the time Samsung LED circa 2017, it has stan and foxtel apps....but they don't really work properly, couldn't watch LIVE games on Stan, had to wait for the replay, weird annoying stuff like that
yeah they update the apps for the flagship models, but as soon as you're no longer on one then you get glitches in the apps
in saying that, I own a samsung neo QLED and the quality is excellent and my apps work
HDTVTest - TV Reviews 2024 – Best OLED & Mini LED TVs
List of flat panel display manufacturers - Wikipedia
are you sure you don't need that extra cover?