[MissDexter]

Can anyone advise on what is best to "turn" my tv into a Smart tv so i can watch online stuff eg Netflix etc.

I've done a bit of research and although it's helped i'm still not sure what to go for in terms of ease and value for money.

Cheers.

[chrisjr]

Do you have a laptop or PC with either a DVI or HDMI output on it? If you do then one thing you can do as a test is to hook up the laptop/PC to the TV and try streaming via that.

It may not be as convenient as an Apple TV or similar device but it will at least let you know if your internet connection is up to the job of streaming, especially HD material. Probably better to test it now rather than spend what could be a substantial wedge only to discover you can't stream content without it constantly breaking up or buffering!

[grahamlthompson]

Originally Posted by chrisjr

Do you have a laptop or PC with either a DVI or HDMI output on it? If you do then one thing you can do as a test is to hook up the laptop/PC to the TV and try streaming via that.

It may not be as convenient as an Apple TV or similar device but it will at least let you know if your internet connection is up to the job of streaming, especially HD material. Probably better to test it now rather than spend what could be a substantial wedge only to discover you can't stream content without it constantly breaking up or buffering!

Very easy to check how fast your connection is.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/diagnostics

[Dai13371]

Originally Posted by MissDexter

Can anyone advise on what is best to "turn" my tv into a Smart tv so i can watch online stuff eg Netflix etc.

I've done a bit of research and although it's helped i'm still not sure what to go for in terms of ease and value for money.

Cheers.

I bought a second hand Xbox 360 for a ton last year. Must be some bargains around the place.

[chrisjr]

Originally Posted by grahamlthompson

Very easy to check how fast your connection is.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/diagnostics

But no substitute for actually streaming a few videos though.

[MissDexter]

Connection brilliant. The first in the area to go fibre optic last year - made a massive difference.

[gavo360]

I would only recommend a Apple TV if you have a iPhone or iPad. As a stand alone device the Apple TV doesn't do much.
A good way to make your tv smart is a bluray player. I have the LG bd660 and it supports many online streaming services Netflix, lovefilm, iplayer youtube and a few more. And it plays every video format I've thrown at it. Game consoles are good also but have louder fans and can be annoying which is why I prefer my bluray player cos it's as good as silent.

[Dai13371]

Originally Posted by gavo360

I would only recommend a Apple TV if you have a iPhone or iPad. As a stand alone device the Apple TV doesn't do much.
A good way to make your tv smart is a bluray player. I have the LG bd660 and it supports many online streaming services Netflix, lovefilm, iplayer youtube and a few more. And it plays every video format I've thrown at it. Game consoles are good also but have louder fans and can be annoying which is why I prefer my bluray player cos it's as good as silent.

Aye, that's a real downside. The Xbox fan is way to loud for the living room, so its relegated to the games room with the noisy kids.

[MissDexter]

Originally Posted by gavo360

I would only recommend a Apple TV if you have a iPhone or iPad. As a stand alone device the Apple TV doesn't do much.
A good way to make your tv smart is a bluray player. I have the LG bd660 and it supports many online streaming services Netflix, lovefilm, iplayer youtube and a few more. And it plays every video format I've thrown at it. Game consoles are good also but have louder fans and can be annoying which is why I prefer my bluray player cos it's as good as silent.

I have LG Blu-ray player HB405SU and I've checked loads of time for Netflix, done updates when they're their but all it has is YouTube, Picasso and AccuWeather.

[gavo360]

Originally Posted by MissDexter

I have LG Blu-ray player HB405SU and I've checked loads of time for Netflix, done updates when they're their but all it has is YouTube, Picasso and AccuWeather.

unfortunately that bluray player is a couple of years old and is unlikely to get any new updates to add extra features. Bluray makers rarely add new features to a player once it a few months old.

[Kenny Maclean]

http://www.tesco.com/direct/sony-bdp...inema_211-9718

The USB also allows access to powered external hard drives and will play full 1080p MKV files.

[Stilian]

Did you consider trying the Apple TV 3rd Generation, now with iCloud and some new interesting features. It is a bit expensive but in is on sale in tech stores quite often.

[MissDexter]

Originally Posted by Stilian

Did you consider trying the Apple TV 3rd Generation, now with iCloud and some new interesting features. It is a bit expensive but in is on sale in tech stores quite often.

I'll read up on it, cheers

[scruffpot]

how much you looking to spend?

[MissDexter]

No more then maybe £150