itsmyparty said:Do you have a Smart TV?
It keeps listing shows like Honey Boo Boo and Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
So I'd say no. It's not a smart TV at all.
itsmyparty said:Do you have a Smart TV?
Bundling two devices together is rarely a good idea until the technologies involved are not just mature, but verging on stodgy. It costs a little more to have a separate "tuner" and "display" but in the long run it is a superior option.
It keeps listing shows like Honey Boo Boo and Keeping Up with the Kardashians.
So I'd say no. It's not a smart TV at all.
I disagree. I haven't met an app of that sort worth a bit. Streaming content is the "killer app" for smart TVs, the only reason why they exist AFAIC. At this time, that's what smart TVs are for most people.A smart TV includes those streaming capabilities merely as a bonus. What you buy a smart TV for is to be able to pull in the World Wide Web through "apps".
I disagree. I haven't met an app of that sort worth a bit. Streaming content is the "killer app" for smart TVs, the only reason why they exist AFAIC. At this time, that's what smart TVs are for most people.
A lot of folks on this thread are confusing pairing a Roku box or an external streaming box with a smart T V. None of those things define a smart TV.
A smart TV includes those streaming capabilities merely as a bonus. What you buy a smart TV for is to be able to pull in the World Wide Web through "apps".
....
I disagree. I haven't met an app of that sort worth a bit. Streaming content is the "killer app" for smart TVs, the only reason why they exist AFAIC. At this time, that's what smart TVs are for most people.
Then it's not really a smart TV . It's a dumb TV masquerading as a smart TV. ....
"Smart TV"s:
1) Deliver content from other computers or network attached storage devices on a network like photos, movies and music using either a Digital Living Network Alliance / Universal Plug and Play media server or similar service program like Windows Media Player or Network-attached storage (NAS), or via iTunes.
2) Provide access to Internet-based services including traditional broadcast TV channels, catch-up services, video-on-demand, Electronic program guide, interactive advertising, personalisation, voting, games, social networking, and other multimedia applications.[21][22][23]
I watch so little TV in recent years, hence do not know much about current TV technology, but am curious now.
Are these "apps" reserved specifically for these smart TVs or can an equivalent piece of firmware be downloaded to add-on boxes such as the Roku or other streaming devices? Or perhaps some licensing, trade agreements, or patents prevent the latter from happening?
My Roku is 2nd gen and I have about 280 channels set up although it does seem to slow down as more channels are added..One thing I'm disappointed in with the ROKU (older gen) is it has limited memory for channels. The attraction of these devices for me is having a wide variety of stuff available, so I can fit whatever mood I'm in, plus have all the channels my DW would want. Since many of the channels are very narrow focused, I need a lot for my viewing. I don't want to have to decide between WSJ news and live NASA feeds. I'm guessing maybe 20 channels max? The new ones offer more though.
-ERD50
.... a non Internet flat screen TV that can simply stream via a Roku box or wii , ain't smart. ...
I bought a Vizio M470NV from Costco early in 2011. It connects easily to the Internet and the apps work sufficiently well. But the Vizio has a problem if I turn it off. When it is turned back on it connects to the Internet but non of the apps can use the Internet connection. In fact, they act as though there is no connection. So every day before I turn it on I have to unplug it and press this button on the side for 30 seconds. It goes through some sort of boot? before I can turn it on. It usually works but not always. I have never been able to fix this with any suggested method that I have found.
... the other I just connect to my portable computer if I want to stream Netflix, Amazon, etc. I find the connection to the portable to be the easiest to manage and use. (For example, the computer does not need special apps so finding movies and shows is much easier since it is just a browser search).
You misunderstand. I know very well what a smart TV "can do". I'm saying that it's mostly hype and excessive excitement about capabilities that are marginal in value at best. I'm posting a qualitative, subjective appraisal of the offering.Then it's not really a smart TV . It's a dumb TV masquerading as a smart TV. Streaming alone is small potatoes compared to what a real smart TV can do.
Why do you think that that will ever be a substantive use of smart TVs, when it's already established as a capability well-served by tablets? Why would anyone want to turn on a high wattage television to control devices instead of more conveniently accessing them through a tablet? I am not saying that it cannot be done, or that it won't be done, but in the end it's not where that capability will be offered - they are trying to do a lot of things with televisions that in reality will eventually coalesce and concentrate on the desktop, laptop or tablet.A smart TV when fully utilized can tap into a fully automated home system where the devices are programmed thru software on your PC, but thru the web are accessed and controlled thru your smart TV.
My 1 YO Vizio upgrades through the network, automatically. No difference that I can see from my ROKU.Can you upgrade a smart tv as easily and cheaply as one can upgrade a Roku or Apple TV device - either through a software update or by simply buying a new device?? I suspect not, so I would go with a regular TV and the little Roku box.
My 2013 Samsung updates firmware via the internet, and they now offer an "evolution kit" that is a bit of hardware that connects to the rear of the unit to upgrade its brains. For example, there is a kit that will upgrade the 2012 models to the 2013 version. It will be interesting to see how this is used in the future.
I think that's where several of my coworkers already have their brains, too! LOL!