Panasonic Viera - Smart TV & TVNZ on demand

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sarahfoxnz

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#215160 14-Jun-2017 23:43

Hi, i have a Panasonic Viera Smart TV - PCTV 000163.

in a number of APPS, I can (apparently) download News services from overseas. However these are obscure names that i dont want to watch - not the obvious ones like BBC / CNN or TVNZ on demand etc.

I was wondering, is it possible for this type of smart TV to "gain" new apps - & see other TV stations ? I'lll like TVNZ on demand / CNN / BBC news etc.. as preferred.

or am i stuck with the apps i already have ?

Jase2985

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#1801199 15-Jun-2017 05:17

do you have the actual model number of the TV? like TH-48AX670Z

Batman

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#1801206 15-Jun-2017 07:04

re sarahfox:

depends on the "operating system" of your tv whether someone writes new apps.

my guess is - if it's Android then a resounding yes, if not then probably no one would have written any new apps.

smalltrader

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#1801216 15-Jun-2017 08:18

The main problem with all these "smart" TV is they all use their own version of OS (eg. WebOS or a variation of Android or their own proprietary OS). They don't have the eco system support like Google's Playstore or Apple's App Store. Other than the TV makers themselves, there are very few developers (if any) developing apps for these smart TV.

TV makers also pay lip service on support as there simply isn't enough money in making to provide apps support. Lightbox for example does have an apps for Samsung TV but I don't think it has one for Panasonic TV or anyone else. If the OS is a variation of Android, you might be able to do side loading of an APK file source elsewhere but is this something the average home user know and want to do, I doubt it.

My view is that take the smart functions on the TV as a bonus rather than a must have and use Apple TV or ChromeCast if you want apps support and some longevity.

sarahfoxnz

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#1801256 15-Jun-2017 08:52

I cant see on one screem, but here is the info i find useful:

Software version 4018-10010

Viera name 32DS500_series (but this is something i can change) - i'll look tonight for a model number. Its not all in one screen...

allio

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#1801263 15-Jun-2017 09:22

Specs for that model are here: http://www.panasonic.com/sg/consumer/television/led-tv/th-32ds500.html

It doesn't appear to use Panasonic's current "smart" OS (Firefox OS) so I suspect your chances of being able to install any useful apps are pretty limited.

I have a Panasonic with Firefox OS. Its app selection is decent but not brilliant. It came with Lightbox, Netflix and all the NZ TV on demand apps, but I haven't found a single other app in the store which was worth installing.

MikeB4

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#1801264 15-Jun-2017 09:25

I have a Panasonic Plasma circa 2011, off my head I doubt there has been any new APPs added in three to four years. If you want new and a greater variety of "smart" Apps use a set top box or console. Smart TV's are not really that smart and the OEM's are lazy.

Here is a crazy notion, lets give peace a chance.

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#1801273 15-Jun-2017 09:38

MikeB4:

I have a Panasonic Plasma circa 2011, off my head I doubt there has been any new APPs added in three to four years. If you want new and a greater variety of "smart" Apps use a set top box or console. Smart TV's are not really that smart and the OEM's are lazy.

Heh - my Samsung "smart" TV actually impressed me beyond expectations (after reading all the whining on GZ probably softened me a bit). It plays anything on youtube at 4K and 5.1. It is able to see any file on any computer or any device or any USB drive and plays any file you throw at it. I can plug in my wireless keyboard and type on it. Although the TV doesn't have a cursor that the trackpad can make use of. It can also record anything you want on TV. So it's not all bad.

kharris

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#1845268 11-Aug-2017 15:27

allio:

Specs for that model are here: http://www.panasonic.com/sg/consumer/television/led-tv/th-32ds500.html

It doesn't appear to use Panasonic's current "smart" OS (Firefox OS) so I suspect your chances of being able to install any useful apps are pretty limited.

I have a Panasonic with Firefox OS. Its app selection is decent but not brilliant. It came with Lightbox, Netflix and all the NZ TV on demand apps, but I haven't found a single other app in the store which was worth installing.

I have just bought a Panasonic with Firefox OS. Where do I find the NZ TV on demand apps

Kirk