Internet TV setup
December 17, 2010 7:55 PM Subscribe
I am going to buy an LED TV with an ethernet connection that says it is netflix, facebook etc compatible. I can run an ethernet cable from my cable modem. Do I need anything else? How do I navigate around? Do I use my remote for selecting movies? Does HULU or VUDU require additional equipment? Any help would be appreciated. Or point me to a website if you know of one. Thanks!
I don't mean to sound rude, but if the TV you are going to buy supports these features, surely there will be a manual documenting their use included? I mean... without knowing what make and model it'd kinda hard for someone to advise you on the idiosyncrasies of Netflix etc over Ethernet to a TV.
posted by dougrayrankin at 8:54 PM on December 17, 2010
posted by dougrayrankin at 8:54 PM on December 17, 2010
My Sony Bravia that has integrated Netflix support is really easy to use. The screen is a little different from the other streaming screens (PS3, PC) but in typical Netflix fashion is very user friendly. There is a way to initialize the device that requires a code from netflix via email you have to enter. (I don't recall exact details but it was pretty easy.)
I believe the Hulu support on mine requires an account. The youtube support is pretty well hobbled with a bad gui and the lack of a keyboard makes it hard to use.
About the connection - if it does not have native wireless and just an ethernet port (like my Sony), I would suggest this adapter made by Asus. It is about the size of a deck of cards and can be powered via USB, so I have it plugged into the maintenance port. Very easy to setup as an adapter. I just bought another one because they are cheap and handy (AP, Ethernet Adapter, Gateway, Repeater modes!).
The best use of the connection overall though for us is setting up a media server on the main PC in the office and being able to browse all of our pictures, videos, and mp3s in the living room.
posted by Big_B at 9:25 PM on December 17, 2010
I believe the Hulu support on mine requires an account. The youtube support is pretty well hobbled with a bad gui and the lack of a keyboard makes it hard to use.
About the connection - if it does not have native wireless and just an ethernet port (like my Sony), I would suggest this adapter made by Asus. It is about the size of a deck of cards and can be powered via USB, so I have it plugged into the maintenance port. Very easy to setup as an adapter. I just bought another one because they are cheap and handy (AP, Ethernet Adapter, Gateway, Repeater modes!).
The best use of the connection overall though for us is setting up a media server on the main PC in the office and being able to browse all of our pictures, videos, and mp3s in the living room.
posted by Big_B at 9:25 PM on December 17, 2010
Or point me to a website if you know of one
http://www.avsforum.com/
Insane amount of information there in the forums. Calibration guides, firmware update information, etc. I spent a lot of time reading the HDTV section before we picked out our tv.
posted by Big_B at 9:29 PM on December 17, 2010
http://www.avsforum.com/
Insane amount of information there in the forums. Calibration guides, firmware update information, etc. I spent a lot of time reading the HDTV section before we picked out our tv.
posted by Big_B at 9:29 PM on December 17, 2010
I have a Sony BluRay player with a built-in Netflix client. If your TV's Netflix app works similarly, you'll navigate with your remote, pretty-much as you would navigate a DVD menu system: up-down-left-right-select. In the Netflix app you're limited to playing movies which you added to your instant queue via computer, as I recall... you can't browse the entire world of Netflix streaming options from your TV.
posted by mumkin at 10:40 PM on December 17, 2010
posted by mumkin at 10:40 PM on December 17, 2010
I sound like a broken record, but these questions come up a lot and I always feel compelled to post this caveat:
To the best of my knowledge, Hulu (the free one) always requires "additional equipment" in the form of a Windows/Mac/Linux PC (or something like PlayOn running on a PC somewhere on your network), although the TV might support "Hulu Plus" which is something different (and requires a paid subscription).
posted by jozxyqk at 4:11 AM on December 18, 2010
To the best of my knowledge, Hulu (the free one) always requires "additional equipment" in the form of a Windows/Mac/Linux PC (or something like PlayOn running on a PC somewhere on your network), although the TV might support "Hulu Plus" which is something different (and requires a paid subscription).
posted by jozxyqk at 4:11 AM on December 18, 2010
Our Samsung LED TV is internet ready, and it's simple to use. Basically just plug and play, with navigation through the remote control. The only time you will need other equipment is in actually setting up/authorizing the apps. For example, Netflix will spit out a code on your TV and you'll need to enter it at Netflix.com to authorize the TV. But you need to do that only once. Hulu was hulu plus, which requires a paid subscription. Vudu streams directly, with nothing else needed. Though it's awkwardly placed, you can get Amazon on Demand through the Yahoo app.
posted by AgentRocket at 6:54 AM on December 18, 2010
posted by AgentRocket at 6:54 AM on December 18, 2010
I hear Samsung's Smart TVs are basically some kind of Android derivative. dougrayrankin's got the right idea: find a model you like, and go find the manual on the manufacturer's website.
posted by pwnguin at 8:31 AM on December 18, 2010
posted by pwnguin at 8:31 AM on December 18, 2010
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posted by sanka at 8:30 PM on December 17, 2010