I'm looking at two 40" Sony TV's. One is a Smart TV the other isn't. I was gonna get an Apple TV, but the Smart one streams Netflix etc. through wifi.
Thoughts..... Oh and I don't care about other brands, so save your breath.
I have one with Netflix over wifi, not sure whether my connection sucks or the hardware was slow, but I never got a decent connection so I just use my laptop. Easier navigation, have to get up off the couch though.
When it worked it was alright, but I didn't buy it for Netflix luckily. I did use it once while house sitting and their connection seemed to work better.
No experience with Apple TV.
If you get a smart TV make sure you control internet access to it. The things are hackable like crazy. That's all I got.
Ride more.
;)
Quote from: Grampa on November 05, 2014, 03:45:54 PM
Ride more.
;)
Been on the KTM a lot lately, but I watch mucho sports and racing.
Why you buying such a small tv?
Quote from: ducpainter on November 05, 2014, 03:57:32 PM
Why you buying such a small tv?
No real need for anything bigger.
Whats the price diff between the smart and the regular?
We went with a standard TV because it was cheap and we already have a laptop. We just hook a laptop to the TV & receiver for streaming content. I'm considering putting a card with HDMI out in my old computer and having a dedicated streaming computer setup because it's easier than trying to use the apps (Blu-Ray can stream youtube & Netflix but it sucks to use) plus, I can use RJ45 rather than the wireless which doesn't have the connection issues using wifi has.
JM
Quote from: NoNing on November 06, 2014, 01:10:40 AM
Whats the price diff between the smart and the regular?
About $110
The right router can prevent streaming issues.
So... many... options
I actually have a smart TV, hocked up to both my old Xbox 360 and Mac Mini. The Mac is a regular PC, so I have to be sitting at the desk to really use it. The Xbox gives me access to games, Netflix, Hulu, etc.
The Smart TV option is used more when the kids want to watch Netflix or Hulu, simply because I don't want them either messing with the Mac or playing/buying stuff on the Xbox.
Quote from: kopfjäger on November 05, 2014, 04:01:32 PM
No real need for anything bigger.
I don't know the meaning of this
Quote from: kopfjäger on November 06, 2014, 06:18:34 AM
About $110
Sounds like its about a toss up. I would try and demo the smart TV and see if it works the way you would like Vs. using Apple TV which is $99 I think, and requires an electric hook up and an HDMI cable. (This is the setup I have BTW and I'm happy with it) another thing to consider is Content, Sony Vs Apple. I watch some stuff on PBS and HULU is available if i want to subscribe as is a bunch of other stuff. Don't know what Package Sony has.
Two other things to consider are that with airplay you can play web content off your Mac or iPad/iPhone right to your TV which I do sometimes. Don't know if you can do that with Sony or not. And with the Box you can take it with you if you want, and use it on another TV.
I have a 32" Sony smart TV over the bar.
We love it and it gets regular use for Netflix, boring people with youtube videos and as a regular TV for when we're downstairs. I ran an actual network cable to it so can't comment on wifi speed.
It is nice to use the TV remote to control the streaming apps
I have a samsung 40 at home that works well
this one i think
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-UN40H5203-40-Inch-1080p-Smart/dp/B00K4UIOA4/ref=pd_pgh_B0074FGR74_B00K4UIOA4?pf_rd_p=1962034502&pf_rd_s=cp-merchandising-top&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0074FGR74&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1JA1NJHJCY5YMK6K38VC (http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-UN40H5203-40-Inch-1080p-Smart/dp/B00K4UIOA4/ref=pd_pgh_B0074FGR74_B00K4UIOA4?pf_rd_p=1962034502&pf_rd_s=cp-merchandising-top&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0074FGR74&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1JA1NJHJCY5YMK6K38VC)
Xbox, bluray, macbook also plugged in that can stream, but its easiest to use the TV
Quote from: ducpainter on November 06, 2014, 06:20:30 AM
The right router can prevent streaming issues.
You may pay more but you find out quickly that its worth it...right? ;) [cheeky]
To expand on my vagueness, I helped Nate upgrade some stuff recently and used my own experiences for recommendations.
Sony's wifi bits tend to be OK as long as they are backed with solid infrastructure. That built in wifi router on your DSl or cable modem isn't going to cut it. Invest in a quality 400 per or higher dual band wifi router.
Quote from: ZILBERT on November 06, 2014, 01:06:13 PM
You may pay more but you find out quickly that its worth it...right? ;) [cheeky]
To expand on my vagueness, I helped Nate upgrade some stuff recently and used my own experiences for recommendations.
Sony's wifi bits tend to be OK as long as they are backed with solid infrastructure. That built in wifi router on your DSl or cable modem isn't going to cut it. Invest in a quality 400 per or higher dual band wifi router.
Or...
as dad always said...'cheap is expensive and expensive is cheap'
That ASUS router works like a charm for wireless streaming. Right now it's just from my computer to the TV through WMP and the built in DLNA server on the TV.
If there's a weak link it will be my cable company's speed, not my in house stuff.
Was just checking out ROKU. They have way more channels than Apple TV. I might get one.
Roku is pretty good. I have an Apple TV and I love it. Only drawback is less "apps" than the Roku, but it has all that we need. We almost only use Netflix and ESPN and YouTube, but some of the other apps are nice (some are free and some are like Pay-per-View for movies). We use PC's but have iphones and an iPad and being able to airplay is very nice when people want to share vacation photos.
If you use Amazon Prime, I think Roku has an app (Apple does NOT as Amazon is a direct competitor), but you can always use Prime on iPad/computer and use AirPlay.
BTW, if you use an iPhone/iPad, there is a free app that allows you to control the AppleTV. Very nice if you're doing a lot of typing/searching.
I like Apple TV also.
We use Apple gear a bit in our home so the quick and easy streaming to the TV is handy.
I've got a Sony 55" Smart TV and it's a good size, doesn't dwarf the living area, but great for watching sport or movies.
All the best with your decision.
Went with the regular version. ($350). I'm gonna wait for a new version of the Apple TV before I go that route.
Enjoy the purchase! ðŸ'ðŸ'