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.
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.
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!
you make good points.
Could one buy a smart TV and use the internal device until such time than an external device has more features than the internal SMART TV and then later use an external box in tandem with a SMART TV? Then one would get some benefit for a while of a single remote