Stick or twist ...

[admin_exported]

Hi

It's been ten years since I treated myself to a new tv, and I have been looking at what's on offer. Exactly which tv I get will be down to a number of factors (many of which are dealt with really usefully in other parts of this forum), but the issue below is niggling away.

I am quite attracted to the current batch of tvs that allow you to connect to internet features such as iplayer etc. Having read an article that set out the internet services each of the tv manufacturers' provide access to I get the impression that it's quite limited. For example, I have not seen any manufacturer that provides access to the ITV player - or all the terrestrial playback stations in one package for that matter.

The question is should I jump in now and buy a tv with this feature on the basis that I'll be able to get access to more content as the manufacturers make it available i.e. upgrade the firmware/software rather than the hardware, or should I hold off buying new for a better hardware solution "just around the corner". I'd be prepared to defer purchase for a couple of months.

Alternatively, is there a "buy a box" solution (other than buying a PC to sit alongside the tv) that gives me access to iplayer and the other terrestrial playback sites all in one box that can feed into any tv?

Grateful for any help.

 

[strapped for cash]

Hi Doughnut 27. Welcome to the forum!

The problem is, there's always "a better hardware solution" round the corner. If you think in these terms, it's never the right time to buy (which is not to say you should buy now, that's entirely your decision).

If you're intesrested in upgrading to HD, then inexpensive Blu Ray players (like the Sony BDP-S370) will give you access to online content (including iPlayer), as will the PS3. Both work very well, so online features don't have to be built into the TV. The PS3 can also be connected to a standard definition TV without any problems (I assume this is what you currently own)?

As general "multimedia-in-a-box" solutions, either product mentioned above will serve you well; and you'll be able to access Blu Ray content to get the very best out of a new TV, if you decide that's the way to go.

If you want a new television, I would concentrate less on functionality (which can always be done elsewhere, without cluttering too much space) and more on picture quality (unless you want 3D, in which case this feature will need to be built into the TV). It doesn't sound like 3D is a priority for you, based on what you've written, but I wouldn't presume to second-guess your preferences.

 

[kinda]

I tend to agree that it's not eseential to have this stuff in the TV, though it might be a nice-to-have.

If you need it it wil be on PVRs, BluRay players, and even standalone boxes from Sony or others.

If you found a TV you liked and the same thing cost a load more with apps, I wouldn't necessarily go fir the more expensive one.

 

[Anonymous]

most tvs as im sure your aware have internet connectivity, but if your interested the ps3 has wifi internet and an app for BBC iplayer