Which smart TV's are the most popular?

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reven

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#855794 15-Jul-2013 12:53

steve98: Why not use DLNA instead with a server that can transcode on-the-fly to whatever format the client accepts?

Plex is okay, but once the novelty of seeing the cover art and synopsis has worn off it is not much more than a DLNA client that takes way too much time and effort to get right.

couldn't disagree more. plex is far more than just a DLNA client. the channels it supports adds so much to plex. the ability to queue most videos on the internet in your browser and then view on you tv is awesome.
the menus/posters/fanart are awesome (if you have a large beautiful screen you want to navigate a large beautiful menu).

tvs with DLNA support aren't what i would call a smart TV, tvs that can run apps and have an app store would be a smart tv, personally i wouldn't even look at any brand other than samsung currently, it has by far the best apps (unless you can somehow get a tv with google tv...)

samsung
- PLEX (huge selling point, amazing app, reason I bought 2 new samsung tvs in the last 2 weeks)
- netflix (awesome thats its built in and easy to setup)
- hulu (bonus, havent used this one yet, all american shows are on summer break)

LG have a plex app as well, but I'm not sure how complete it is, the samsung one is a pretty great port of the desktop one.

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

Uber Geek

#855804 15-Jul-2013 12:59

LG had a Plex app, but it isn't supported for the 2013 models... and at the time, it was superior in my experience to the Samsung version.
However, as Samsung are the only company to be utlising it now, they win.
I also agree, Plex is decidedly superior to the other DLNA servers I've used (Servilo, Twonky, PS3 media server) - the interface, the ability to stream to my phone when I'm at work, the addition of channels (I have Hulu + Netflix) and easy streaming to my partners iPad / iPhone, so she's now 100% on-board.

The issue with file compatibility is normally due to servers that aren't grunty enough to transcode on the fly, or people getting cunning with how they encode videos, to stop people stealing them and distributing on-line.
One of the keys to using a media server = encode your files to a trusted format before you try to watch them, that way you know you'll avoid disappointment.

waikariboy

902 posts

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#865995 25-Jul-2013 16:21

I got me a samsung smart tv cause of plex, was using rasplex but wanted a bigger screen for my room, so decided to get smart tv. I did look into the LG model, but have read that wasnt supported for 2013 models. over all im very happy and looking forward to seeing this lastest update. Would love to be able to change views on the Samsung Plex app. Now looking at a sound bar.

Balm its gone!

grolschie

911 posts

Ultimate Geek

#867383 28-Jul-2013 14:20

Just recently bought a Panasonic E6 series LED. Whilst not a perfect TV, I am impressed with some of its smart features. Smart features were not a selling point for me, because we have alternatives already.

However, I was surprised to discover that not only can it record TV, it can also stream live (and recorded TV I am presuming) to other devices in the house. For example, VLC on the laptop found the TV and I could watch the current TV channel that was being viewed. Changing channel on the TV closed the connection, so re-connecting was required. I haven't tried out the recording function yet.

Skype seems to work great - although it wouldn't sign in initially. I had to google for a solution - I needed to complete my profile info (in my case, my last name and date of birth). The error message said "We can't sign you in to Skype at the moment due to a temporary problem", so if I had been more patient, it might have taken me longer to solve. Strange, since Skype worked fine on my phone and laptop prior. Also, the camera (purchased separately) seems to work nicely.

Using the remote to control the web browser was surprisingly easy. Although the browser doesn't have Flash and has crashed multiple times for me.

There aren't too many useful apps for me. I'd like to have the AFL Game Analyser app that's available in Australia. It's not available in NZ currently. No TVNZ or TV3 ondemand apps available either - It's a pity their websites don't support HTML5.

The Youtube app isn't the most responsive, but played nicely. It uses Youtube's Leanback and it's simple to link ones account..

Anyways, that's my subjective opinion of it, YMMV, etc.

Dunnersfella

4086 posts

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#867535 28-Jul-2013 20:58

Have you used the iOS or Android apps with your Panasonic?
Any good?

grolschie

911 posts

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#867580 28-Jul-2013 23:19

I have tried the Panasonic Viera Remote 2 app on the iPod Touch briefly this evening. The swipe-to feature is good. I wasn't real fussed on the UI design (this is quite subjective I think) - the Panasonic app has quite a lot of features. On the TV, the "VIERA remote" setting in "Network" needs to be set to "on". And both the iOS/android device and TV need to be on the same WiFi network - of course. One can try the app in 'demo' mode if no supported Panasonic Viera TV is found.

grolschie

911 posts

Ultimate Geek

#867581 28-Jul-2013 23:20

Nokia's "DLNA Play" app on my Symbian Belle phone works nicely with the TV also.

Samsung

Shop now on Samsung phones, tablets, TVs and more (affiliate link).

trig42

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#867750 29-Jul-2013 11:43

I got myself one of the Samsung UA50F5500s from JB Hi-Fi on Friday ($1278 I thought was a pretty nice price).
I love the Plex App (I was already using PlexConnect on an AppleTV and that is great too).

Will get a camera for Skype (to talk to the kids).

TVNZ on-demand is a nice bonus (come on TV3 and iSky....)

tradertim

70 posts

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#882076 21-Aug-2013 11:13

what tv model mate, the full model name, it will help me get a samsung that works.
cheers

waikariboy

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#882138 21-Aug-2013 12:47

I have a 40" Samsung Smart TV. Love it, running Plex app on it and have no issues (love it). Was using RasPlex but it was a bit slow for me.

Balm its gone!

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