What Are They Called?

[woodelf]

My partner thought it would be great if we could watch iPlayer on the telly rather than on my computer, but I don't know what they are called: a combined unit; a .....set or what? Any recommendations please? All we have at moment is a telly with a DVD player, that's all, not even a DVD recorder -- bearing in mind I can't see anything!...Ta Muchly and Take Care All.

[Mexican18]

A smart TV.
You can get a Samsung 43" for less than£300.

[Etch]

I would refer to a television that included iPlayer functionality (usually amongst other features) as a "smart television".

[bhg481]

You can also get set-top boxes with internet connectivity which will allow you to watch iPlayer, which will be cheaper than buying a new TV.

[drmorgans]

If you don't want to buy a new TV (and it's reasonably modern) you could always buy a Smart "stick" or set-top box with catch-up TV built-in (iPlayer, ITV Hub, All4 and My5) - Roko, NowTV, Amazon Fire. Just plugs into the TV's HDMI slot (some need USB for power).

[woodelf]

Many Thanks guys - these set-top boxes, are they really boxes or what?...just "sticks" or what...thereby showing my ignorance!

[bhg481]

Set-top boxes are DVD recorders/PVRs and the like and are boxes - have a look at Richer Sounds website and search for PVR. Some of the other are sticks which plug into an HDMI socket on your TV - I don't know much about those but I expect someone else will help.

[ToraToraTora]

just get a chrome cast then you can cast PC or Phone to the TV:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4th-Generation-HD-Digital-HDMI-Video-For-Chromecast-Google-Media-Streamer-New-UK/392897340975?hash=item5b7a81a62f:g:DNkAAOSwKtxfKTKJ

[woodelf]

Very Many Thanks for that BHG, just had a good recommendation for Richer Sounds, so I'll have a look at their site...Ta Greatly to All.

[bhg481]

You haven't mentioned the age of your current TV; if it doesn't have an HDMI input you could be struggling.

[bhg481]

If you do choose to buy something from Richer Sounds it's well worth thinking about their extended guarantee. They are usually things I avoid like the plague but with Richer Sounds you get your money back if you don't make a claim, so all it really costs you is the interest you would lose which is next to nothing. I've bought it several times and it's absolutely effortless to get your money back at the end.

[Prudie]

Gosh this all sounds horribly complicated - I would probably just by a new smart TV from Currys haha

[gingejbee]

^^^that'd be one big mistake.....buying from Currys.
And I heartily agree with bhg about Richer Sounds extended warranty (particularly with items that have moving parts!)....very well priced and I've had my money back on several items over the years.

[maggiebee]

I have an Amazon Firestick. One off payment of £29, very easy to set up and it gives me iplayer etc etc. Use it a lot.

[Milo2]

As suggested by TTT, we use Chromecast and it works well.

[Mexican18]

They all work well,if you have an HDMI socket!

[Giggsie]

Same as Maggiebee amazon fire stick is all you need.Youget all the players on it bbc iplayer and all other channels just makes normal tv into a smart tv.Well worth it .

[woodelf]

I might have said just the same Prudie, then the other guys piled in and now I'm thinking of the amazon fire stick and it seeming to have all we need and easy too. The telly's about five years old and has two hdmi inputs...but I think I've got more than enough info now guys, so Very ManyThanks To You All for this and Take Care.

[woodelf]

MaggieBee, just one more thing please, does your Amazon fire stick have a model number and/or any other identifying feature, so I know to get the right one? Ta very Much and Take Care.

[barry1010]

woodelf, just buy the latest one - this one has voice remote
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