"Smart TV" Worth it?

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goofball

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So whats your take on smart tv's? Is it worth it or just a gimmick? Is it easy to handle and the interface nice and smooth?
Big difference between Samsung Smart and lets say LG Smart?
 
I have a Samsung Smart TV running plex. I would definitely say it is worth it. Can't comment on LG
 
Plex is the only app I use. Plex app not quite as good as a dedicated client as it only supports Movies/TV shows but plex can do quite a bit more.
 
Yes it is nice when you want watch Netflix, Youtube on it or hulu plus and play the occasional game or read the news.
But the browser is pretty much useless without a keyboard and it can be a bit sluggish at times it is simply easier to pull my iPhone out and go on a website while watching tv.
There is almost always an update on some app and it can become annoying at times.

But if you are able to spend a bit more i would say it is worth it if you are actually going to use the features.
 
and yes you can use netflix, hulu on it just use unotelly DNS and change the region setting on the TV.
 
Louis72 said:
But the browser is pretty much useless without a keyboard and it can be a bit sluggish at times it is simply easier to pull my iPhone out and go on a website while watching tv.
Click to expand...

You can connect a wireless keyboard and mouse. Mine gather dust near the LG :)
 
Yeah that is an option but i just don't see myself browsing the internet with my TV:)
that's why i have a Laptop,iPhone.
 
goofball said:
So whats your take on smart tv's? Is it worth it or just a gimmick? Is it easy to handle and the interface nice and smooth?
Big difference between Samsung Smart and lets say LG Smart?
Click to expand...

Like everything, the novelty wears off.

The positives:

* The firmware updates are rare, so not too obtrusive.
* I often use the YouTube feature for playlists.
* The browser is usable provided you connect a k/b and mouse.
* Playing videos across your LAN works without issues using Plex or Smart Share.
* The android remote is convenient.

There isn't much there that a media player couldn't do better. There may be a convenience factor in some households for having those features integrated. Then, how long before firmware upgrades are retired and the features run into compatibility issues?
 
goofball said:
Big difference between Samsung Smart and lets say LG Smart?
Click to expand...

The LG firmware will not enable the Netflix app etc locally. It seems with Samsung it can be enabled locally.
 
Milano said:
The LG firmware will not enable the Netflix app etc locally. It seems with Samsung it can be enabled locally.
Click to expand...

Confirmed Netflix working on my Samsung bd-e5500 player
Only worked after setting up unotelly though
 
Depends on what you want to do? I have Sony Bravia "smart tv" along with a Samsung "smart" Blu Ray...The Sony doesn't play all files so I mostly find myself streaming movies wirelessly to my Blu Ray using either the Plex app or just plain ol DLNA. Not interested in Netflix or Hulu...I've got enough media stored on my computer to programme a tv station for weeks.
 
Smart TV's are Useless except for all share. I love the ability to stream videos from my phone or tablet. YouTube app linked to phone is cool as well. But software and hardware for the smart is pathetic
 
All share is the only reason you need smart. Other than that, it's not worth it. The apps are limited and useless
 
...just a gimmick. A cheap refurbished tower connected to your current TV will still do more
 
I would like to add something. Recently I bought a HP Proliant MicroServer and a Samsung Smart TV. I was initially going to use the tv as a tv until I had my server up and running and then use the screen as a dumb screen. All I can say about my smart tv is "Wow". It really is awesome. I can plug a drive in and watch media, I can stream media from my server and I use Netflix and Hulu. I have Unotelly setup on my router. I am now trying to sell my server as I am far happier with my smart tv than my smart tv and server combo.
 
i would like a tv just with an ethernet port so i can connect it to the router without any extra equipment. thats all. dont need all the other stuff.
 
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