Smart Tv's

[Ric.ror]

I am thinking about getting a Smart Tv when I move to my new flat - the one I have is just too big and I like the idea of not needing a laptop to access the internet.
Does anyone have one or have any advice?

Many thanks in anticipation

[CrapAtCryptics]

LG are the best overall in my opinion and ebuyer the best place to buy with good info

[Togo]

http://www.rtings.com/tv/reviews/by-type/smart/best

Some reviews here Ric.ror.

[Buenchico]

Some technical journals have warned against buying smart TVs (per se) because of the problems caused when manufacturers cease supporting the apps on them (or when the service providers associated with those apps no longer stream content in a form which can be used by the apps).

Manufacturers have to pay licensing fees to have certain apps incorporated into their TV sets. If they cease paying those fees the apps will no longer work. Alternatively they might put on app onto a TV for, say, Youtube but, at a later date, Google ceases streaming videos in a format compatible with such apps.

So it's not uncommon for the apps on smart TVs to stop working after only two or three years. e.g.: http://jillcataldo.com/youtube_being_discontinued_sony_televisions/

See here for further information about the problem:
https://blogs.which.co.uk/technology/tvs/when-smart-tv-app-support-vanishes-what-next/

The solution is to buy a 'non-smart' TV and then to upgrade it with an add-on device (such as a NOW TV box or an Amazon Fire TV stick). The manufacturers of such devices need to ensure that they keep them working fully (otherwise they'd lose new sales) and you can always switch to an alternative device (at very little cost) anyway.

My own choice is to use the (excellent) NOW TV box:
http://www.nowtv.com/box

[Haggisdj]

All my Apps are on my Blu-Ray player, which also has Wi-fi.

[AlwaysConfused]

i have a samsung curve, but it is way too smart for me. We still haven't figured out all that it can do.

[AlwaysConfused]

just to add, had the tv for about 18 months now. We don't tend to use apps such as youtube, facebook etc as that is what we use the laptops for

[Ric.ror]

Thanks for your help
Going to upgrade to a smaller newer tv - no internet then might get a NOW box

[taichiperson]

I wish I'd seen this before I'd gone out to get a smart TV! Re the apps - that's a shame that they may not be supported, as they are designed for the TV. We have (as yesterday) a 43" Samsung Smart TV with a blu ray player that's also Wi fi enabled. The picture is fantastic, and the iPlayer app amazing; no more having to watch on a titchy laptop or plug the laptop into the TV. Hopefully that one will remain supported for a while. I thought Youtube would be good, but typing anything in for a search or signing in is very fiddly without a keyboard. Eventually it 'learns' the type of things you watch on Youtube, but trying to sign in with my Google account is near impossible. If anyone has any advice on using some sort of keyboard I'd be grateful!