I don't know how to TV

[spacelordmother]

I haven't had a tv for about 6 years, and although that's perfectly fine with me, more and more my wife would like to have one in the house. A LOT HAS CHANGED so I am looking for guidance of the best options -- everything offers so (too) much and I just want simple. I refuse to have cable, wireless would be awesome but I can run ethernet if needed, don't want to need a computer (but phone apps as remotes would be cool), we have existing Netflix/Amazon/Spotify accounts, want Youtube, Pandora and not much else.



How do I make this happen?? Thanks!

[spacelordmother]

If she wants one have her do it.

It would/will be her birthday present. Also, if she did it we would end up with cable and satellite and a million channels and FUCK NO 2.0

[Eivind August]

I'm not updated on these things, but wouldn't a smart-TV let you use apps for stuff like Netflix and Youtube without using a computer and without having other channels?

[Invisible Man]

Yes. I have this one:http://www.vizio.com/e50c1.html

It's effin rad. All the things you want, controlled from one remote. Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, Youtube, Amazon...not sure about Spotify, as I haven't tried it. But it's a lovely solution for your entertainment needs. Or, really, any tv like it would do just fine.

[spacelordmother]

I'm not updated on these things, but wouldn't a smart-TV let you use apps for stuff like Netflix and Youtube without using a computer and without having other channels?

I dunno, this is why I ask. Like do you need special subscriptions to use those apps or can you just log in with your existing accounts?

Yes. I have this one:http://www.vizio.com/e50c1.html

It's effin rad. All the things you want, controlled from one remote. Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, Youtube, Amazon...not sure about Spotify, as I haven't tried it. But it's a lovely solution for your entertainment needs. Or, really, any tv like it would do just fine.

Thanks, will check it!

[Strange Tales]

Most likely you'll just have to log in with existing accounts.

[doommeow]

Buy the TV you (she) want - I'm a snob for plasma, but that's hard to find these days. Then buy a Roku or Apple TV. That way when something fails, needs to be repaired, changed, moved, upgraded, whatever, you can do so without having to replace the entire TV.

[lordgalvar]

Yea, roku or appletv are the way to go. I use my Xbox and PlayStation has a new cable like service with live TV (starts at 30 a month with good slim channel listing). PlayStation and Xbox can run most if not all the apps you've mentioned.

I have a smart TV too (newer Samsung 55") and I kinda hate the workflow and typing passwords (which if constantly resets if the connection goes down and they have now discontinued the app service and updates...TV ain't even 2 years old). Ethernet cable over wifi is the better choice for connection speeds (due to a lot of factors...don't know what kind of connection you have).

I just hdmi my cabled Xbox into the TV and it works great and actually remembers my passwords (plus keyboard options...).

Maybe newer smart TVs are better, but at least with an external box it will able to be cheaply replaced and/or repaired while still having a functional television.

YouTube works well though. I can cast playlists from my phone with just wifi (though, again, glitchy if the connection goes down....they kinda become two independent playlists which sucks).

[Invisible Man]

All of this is correct. Our smart tv (linked above) has built-in apps with the potential to download lots more. Basically, a 50" smart phone for watching stuff and listening to music.

The Roku thing ^^^ is a good idea. We have one of those, too (Roku 2). It's like $40 or $50, and lets' you do all of the same stuff, but with a clunkier interface than the one on the tv.

[UnicornTrap]

I just replaced my tv with a 43" samsung smart tv... the price wasn't too bad. I have kids, and my 6 year old can easily navigate the buttons to pull up netflix right from the tv. I have an older western digital streamer box hooked up to it as well for network sharing (music and crap i downloaded)

[sylnau]

I never owned a TV in my life.
I'm living without one since 20 years (maybe more).
So I can't help you.

[snipelfritz]

I'm thinking about a Netflix account, but...torrents and YouTube videos...

[Blackened Soul]

I'm thinking about a Netflix account, but...torrents and YouTube videos...

[Inconuucl]

Home theater PCs, that's all I'm saying.