Smart TV (onboard + off)

[Babylon]

I know this should realy be in the Lounge, but I've sworn never to go in there again - and it is a bit of a techie question anyway, so please be gentle with me...

I want to buy a 32" Smart TV, so I can watch iPlayer and other internet-provided programmes and films as well as broadcast TV (Freeview).

I bought a Toshiba a few days ago, but its really slow to change TV channels (inadequate hardware), AND in order to access internet-provided programmes (eg iPlayer, LoveFilm, YouTube, etc) I have to register a lot of personal information first with Toshiba and THEN go through their own portal to access this stuff! Stuff that! I now want to take the thing back for a refund.

Is this normal with all Smart TVs? What happens with other brands? Surely one should just be able to connect to the internet using one's own WiFi and access internet immediately?

What's your experience?

 

[jrudge]

Not normal. Buy a samsung

If mail order you can send it back.

 

[Talulah]

We have a Sony smart TV on the boat.
I have no interest in connecting it to the internet directly but use the laptop connected to it instead. (WiFi connection)
The thing to watch out for is what's pre-installed on the TV?
So on the Sony you are steered to use the Sony Entertainment Network. It comes with BBC player but not ITV player (I think.) Whereas others come with both.
To push movies from the Windows PC to the Sony over WiFi you have to play the movie in Windows Media Player and not all movies are in a compatible format.
The software installed is changing very fast.
I like the Smart Tv but not the smart side. I'm just using the multiple connection options and built in FreeviewHD.
Remember to clear the viewing history or you could be in trouble.

 

[Richard10002]

Samsung at home and on the boat. It just works!

 

[abraxus]

I also looked at smart tv's for the various streaming channels, but they all seem to offer some channels and not others. In the end I went the route of a not so smart tv, and instead connect my iphone to it via an hdmi cable. This not only gives me all the various channels, but it's also easy to add new apps when new ones come out.