Samsung TVs and Tizen

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pdath

252 posts

Ultimate Geek

#185611 29-Nov-2015 14:24

I'm thinking about getting an entry level Smart TV. I've been interested in the Samsung's for a while because they run (or did) Android, and so I expect their to be a rich variety of applications available. Why else would I want a Smart TV if I couldn't get good app support.

I know someone who bought a Sony Smart TV running Sony's own OS, and where disappointed by the lack of apps available, and the lack of software upgrade options. I had written Sony off as an option because of this.

But now I find out that all the new Samsung Smart TV's have changed to running an OS called Tizen, and Sony have changed to using Android. I understand Sony's reason for changing to Android. But Samsung?

How do those people with the new Samsung's running Tizen find them? Is there a reasonable variety of apps out for it, and do you get regular software updates?

Anyone using the new Sony's running Android now? Same questions.

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rokki

374 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1437480 30-Nov-2015 03:47

I am running an 8000 Series 4K Samsung and Tizen seems very good lots of apps. I have mine set to USA so haven't checked NZ app store out. Seems to be very responsive and have seen several updates.

My gear 55" Samsung 4K SUHD LCD HDR , Denon AVR-4200W Reciever in 7.1.2 Surround , Denon 2 Channel Amp to power ceiling speakers , Combination of Polk Audio Fronts And Tannoy Surrounds plus 2 Cambridge Audio Ceiling Speakers Pioneer Downfiring Subwoofer , Oppo UDP-203 UHD Player , Roku Ultra , Apple TV 3

reven

3743 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1437499 30-Nov-2015 08:16

If you're wanting a smart tv, for the actual smart tv aspect of it. Go for one running android TV, dont waste you time on anything else. I have 2013 samsung smart tvs (couldnt get android tv then, actually it didnt exist, there was only google tv which failed), and its good with its apps, but its kinda sluggish and I'm looking to upgrade to a android tv next year.

it comes down to apps, there's an entire world of apps that could become available on android tv vs very limited to a proprietary system.

With android you can sideload apps, meaning you can have different region apps on the same tv at the same time. for samsung tvs, if you change regions, all your apps are deleted and resynced. So you cant have BBC iPlayer and TVNZ on demand etc.

with android tv you can just do more, run more and arent as restricted.

also the resale price of the tv would probably be higher.

my main reasons for wanting android tv
- Kodi, plex is nice and all but I rather run Kodi
- Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
- The possiblity of game streaming, e.g. stream games from PC to the tv using limelight or something.

on the flipside, getting a smart tv can be silly, you can buy a ~$75ish device (fire tv stick, cheaper now due to cybermonday sales) running android and all the apps you want that you can easily upgrade and replace, which you cant do if its built in. Sure its not all in one, and might require 2 remotes, but you could also get a universal remote and solve that issue...