your advice: TV-plus-WiFi-device, or WiFi-enabled TV?

self | 11/17/15 | NewJerseyJoe

[NewJerseyJoe]

Hello FReeper friends. For the first time in several years, I've got a few bucks to spare. I'd like to finally upgrade from my old CRT television to a flat-screen TV. I'm also investigating the various options for streaming video to the TV via WiFi.

I'm looking at devices like Roku and Amazon's FireTV -- especially because Amazon is having a Black Friday deal on the FireTV stick. However, the TVs that I'm looking at all are WiFi enabled.

So here's my question: unless I really, really want features specific to FireTV, do I really need it (or Roku) if I already have a TV that's WiFi-enabled?

Thanks

[smartyaz]

Nice TV, on sale at Costco

Online Price$447.99
Less-$28.00
Your Price$419.99
Shipping & Handling: $0.00*

[Wills_Dad]

Any TV + device. The device could be as hands off as Apple TV or Roku or even a ‘fire’ device.

Personally, I like KODI on a version of Linux called OpenElec. The one on my larger TV is actually based on a Raspberry Pi - newest version. Total hardware cost - less than $50. With the addons - I am totally ‘off’ cable but can see almost every show on (and most that are no longer on). Google KODI if you are curious (it’s open source and runs on almost any platform).

Bottom line - let those ‘things’ hit the ‘net (or locally stored media). The TV is for showing it.

[bigbob]

Its the same technology, an embedded Linux computer, just packaged in separate boxes or all in one. No difference in potential vulnerability. Or just believe what you read in the media, since they always get it right.

[Pardon Me]

I would go with a TV with Roku or Apple TV. We have 2 smart TV’s in our house along with a couple TV’s with Roku & Apple TV. I have been dissatisfied with the Smart TV’s. The number of apps are limited and they are extremely slow! My go-to device is the TV with Roku. It just works! It’s quick and I can add channels easily. Apple TV is similar to Roku, but you are limited to the apps or channels Apple has chosen for you! And yes, I’m a gadget girl!

[Enlightened1]

There you go!

Depends what size you want too?

That’s pretty good price for a 2015 48” TV that evens comes with a stand.

[rlmorel]

That was a condescending post. I don’t see why you felt the need to take that tone. I didn’t insult you personally, and you infer I am some kind of television commercial zombie. But I won’t respond in the same fashion. Let’s talk facts, shall we?

If you need an upgrade to the software on the television, who are you going to depend on to deliver quality updates to you in a timely fashion? Are you going to depend on Hitachi? Or Samsung?

What do you suppose will happen when this year’s dozens of television models are supplanted by the next, for a company like Samsung which has dozens of new models each year. Do you think they are going to expend a lot of time and energy to keep them updated or secure?

[IWONDR]

‘Check out VIZIOs. They are moderately priced and very good picture. Their smart TVs have Netflix/Hulu/Amazon Prime, etc.’

just read yesterday that Vizio smart tv’s transmit what you are viewing to advertisers. somehow you can disable this feature which allows tracking of what you are watching.

[SomeCallMeTim]

My son just bought a 55” Vizio, 4K with wifi. (Netflix, amazon, ++) for $950

Loves it

[BushCountry]

I used Ruko and Amazon stick (two tvs) but lately been missing out on some of the new series I can stream online on my computer. I have a good digital antenna so get all the locals live.

My solution to the online streaming problem is to turn my TVs into a computer using Intel’s computer on a stick (plugs into HDMI slot). It comes in Linux and Windows 10 flavors. Has a USB port for portable wireless keyboard. I will use the Windows 10 version to have Photoshop (maybe GIMP to use less resources), word, outlook and office.

This way when relaxed in front of the T.V. I don’t have to go the computer to Freep.

[FunkyZero]

What I have discovered is that although WiFi/Smart-TV's are real handy... it's a single device, single remote, they are limited. TV manufacturers aren't so interested in updating software and adding features. Some features are hardware dependent as well so the con is future applications for TV's are real iffy, if you will get them at all.

Now, an external device such as Roku, WD TV, Apple Tv, etc are relatively inexpensive, but it's another device and remote to deal with. That's the part I hate about them. The good part is, the software and capabilities of the device are the sole focus of the manufacturer. Software updates are frequent, applications and capabilities are added in more quantity and frequency. In addition, since the cost is relatively low, when the device is simply EOL and the mfg stops updating it, you just a get a new one for 100 bucks that has all the latest and greatest.

So, I opt for the external device even though I hate having to deal with another TV input. It's a lot more cost effective than upgrading a TV every 3-4 years.

[philled]

I’ve got three mid and hi-end three smart tvs and two non-enabled. Sorry, but the smart options ( even on the 2015 Samsung) stink. I greatly prefer Roku— much much faster (even the stick) and have them on all sets. I also have Apple TV on two (never buy a tv that doesn’t have a bunch of hdmi inputs!) which I also like but use primarily so my wife and kids can very easily AirPlay their iPhones and iPads. I am an Amazon prime customer and was sent a Fire Stick when they came out but havent even unpacked it so I can’t speak to it.

[TheCipher]

If you are tech savy, get an android box. With those you are not tied to any service ( such as Roku ). You can install XBMC to watch movies and TV. Plus you can install any android app, such as a browser. With a browser installed , you can watch any webpage that streams ( plus youtube ). I live overseas but am able to watch my former local TV’s news everyday in HD . Plus I have all the major cities in the US news stations installed so that if anything happens in any of those cities, I can just turn on the local station and not rely on CNN.

[FunkyZero]

Oh, I almost forgot. when you are choosing a TV, make sure that you understand what MHL compatible HDMI ports are for and look for this feature. In a nutshell, this allows you to plugin devices such as Chromecast or Roku HDMI sticks and control them with your TV remote rather than having separate remotes. It is extremely handy if this is the type of device you will get or consider getting in the future.

here is a link describing it:

http://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/what-is-mhl-and-how-does-it-work/

[thinden]

Be back bump

[Rebelbase]

Currently surfing on my laptop connected to a large screen TV. Anything available on Satellite or Cable TV is available online for free.

Getting ready to swap the laptop with a $100 Kangaroo box.

My son loaded Linux Mint on the Kangaroo. Everything is so new that there is no sound via HDMI connection in this version of Mint so USB speakers will be needed.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883722001

[TomGuy]

Turn VIZIO Smart Interactivity off and on:

http://www.vizio.com/smartinteractivity

[fuzzylogic]

!!! ALERT !!!

Buying a modern TV is FAR(!) more complex than in the past.

* There’s different display technologies (LCD/LED, OLED, etc.) - OLED is best but very expensive. You want the highest contrast ratio possible.
* 1080p vs 4k - the 4k sets have come down A LOT!!! There’s not a lot of content YET but it is 4x the resolution of 1080. 4k upscaling quality varies between manufacturer, Sony is very good. I was surprised, they do more than “double up” the x/y pixels. They seem to do edge sharpening, so 1080p signals do actually look better, especially text. 4k Bluray players/content will arrive in a couple of months.
* Deep color (10-bit)
* HDMI 2.0 and HDCP 2.2 (applicable for 4k, but a MUST if getting one) - it allows higher frame rate 4k video.
* Even the remote can be a consideration (mine uses gyroscopes for an on screen “mouse”, also has a mic build into it)
* Smart TV’s have apps; Netflix, YouTube, Skype, etc.
* Processor speed!!!
* Built-in camera for video conferencing (Skype)?
* You may want UPNP/DLNA capabilities (stream from a home PC media server)
* Will you use a stereo/receiver/speaker setup or just use TV’s speakers?
* WiFi, I’ve done a few configurations, TV’s with built-in or has a wired connection (use a WiFi bridge) or a device (PS3). Built-in is probably easier. WiFi bridge or device allow you to upgrade the WiFi speed.
* 120Hz or better refresh rate
* 3D? I’m a big fan but it’s not popular, 2D->3D conversion is a joke.
* Screen sharing -> project your Android/Miracast phone/tablet onto the big screen.
* HVEC/H.265 decoding capability
* If you get a 1080p - well, I still love my plasma, you can’t beat the contrast ratio. They don’t make them at 4k - not sure at all anymore.

So, that said....

At ABC Warehouse I got:

* 55” LG 55UB8500 4K/3D LED TV
* Dual core processor
* Good upscaling
* HDMI 2.0/HDCP 2.2 capable (at least one port)
* Built-in WiFi
* Deep color
* Gyro/mic mouse type remote
* Built-in apps
* UPNP/DLNA capable (they call it SmartShare)
* Supports a camera (not included)
* Decent built-in speakers
* 120 Hz, HVEC/H.265
* Screen sharing

For a promotional price of $1050...but you can probably do better now.

http://reviews.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/lg-lcd-tv/lg-55ub8500.html

Hope that helps :)

[kjam22]

TV plus Apple TV

Absolutely. It's not even a close call.

[kjam22]

So, I opt for the external device even though I hate having to deal with another TV input. It's a lot more cost effective than upgrading a TV every 3-4 years.

That is exactly correct. You can update an exernal device for 4o ro 50 bucks. And you WILL have to purchase a new wifi TV every few years if you chose to go that way.

[rlmorel]

I have a bunch of stuff hooked up to my Television (no cable, use digital antenna) with a Apple TV, Mac Mini, PC, Xbox, DVD/Blue Ray, DVD/VCR, Home Theater Amp, Bose Soundbar, Wireless headsets, ect, and I tied it all in with a Harmony Remote.

That Harmony Remote is the best thing I ever bought! It was expensive, but...having all those remotes is crazy! I know my wife appreciates it...:)

I completely agree with you, an external device like a Roku, Apple TV or other device is the way to go. I tried to use the Samsung built in, and it bites. I tried it for a month or so after I got the TV while I was waiting for the other stuff, and I found it way too clunky and stodgy. Of course, it would be the last thing I could use to stream if everything else failed, but right now, the Apple TV, Blueray player, Xbox, and Mac Mini can all stream, and are all ahead of it in line to stream if some failure occurred. As clunky as it was, I would have to be desperate to use it, but good to know it is there.

The external devices are cheap, are more easily and reliably upgraded and you can have more than one. I like using the Apple TV, because it does make it easy if someone comes over and wants to show their pictures or movies, they can just hook up using the Airplay and display them no problem. If I didn’t have the Apple TV, I would have bought a Roku...lots of people like those.

As you said...when the device is EOL, you just...shell out 50-100 dollars and buy something else!