[cheque]

If it doesn't have apps how do you watch streaming services?

Apple TV box through the HDMI input. Probably does the same thing as a Firestick? Before I got that (nearly 5 years ago) my desktop computer was in the same room as the telly and I just had the TV connected as a second monitor- great for watching edits of films you’re making too as you watch them in a different way when you’re sitting on the settee to when you’re in front of the computer you edited it on. The Apple TV lets you do that over wi-do (if you use a Mac obviously) which is cool.

Are there TVs where out of date firmware stops you watching what’s plugged into an input?

[spidermonkey09]

We just got given a smart TV by my girlfriends parents. They were relieved to get rid of it as its an Android TV and they struggled using it as Apple phone users. Whilst on balance its great and a big improvement, its definitely temperamental and can see how the firmware will eventually just stop. We watch netflix, iplayer, nowtv and youtube etc through the apps on the smart tv. However, our satellite TV input doesnt work with it (you get the channels but the TV guide function doesnt update, so you cant see whats on!) so we have to watch normal TV through a Humax box. Equally annoyingly, all4 and itv hub require youview to watch via the smart tv, and youview requires an aerial rather than a satellite, so if we want to watch these we have to cast from a phone. The integrated chromecast is ok but definitely not foolproof so not sure how it would be for a full film. Basically its a total minefield, fine given the TV was free but I'd be pissed off if I'd paid for it!

If I was in James' position I would look into hiding the TV somewhere (sliding cupbaord?). Projectors look like an expensive, temperamental, energy inefficient and inferior solution to me, although the idea of them is great.

[tomtom]

Light wooden frame that fits neatly over the TV with a canvas photo print on it?

[Steve R]

my desktop computer was in the same room as the telly and I just had the TV connected as a second monitor

This is still the simplest and best solution for me (as linux not apple user).  Everything hard-wired, future proof and reliable, not to mention free...  Also, interface-wise, wireless keyboard+mouse >> intolerably clunky 'smart' tv controller or arsing around on phone. 

[tomtom]

Ours is all linked into Alexa etc.. which whilst in many ways is a non future proof privacy minefield type arrangement - it does enable me to quell the wailing 4 year old in the room next door by just asking Alexa to put CBeebies on..

[Fultonius]

Mum has 2 smart Panasonic TVs, work fine except.... the firmware is no longer compatible with BBC Iplayer, which is what she watches most....   Now dumb TV....

[IanP]

TV's seem to last 10-15 years between needing an upgrade

   The old CRTs maybe. Good luck getting firmware updates that will keep your smart TV running any useful apps beyond 5 years. I know this is an argument for using a Firestick and that's why I'm doing it. Just be glad you didn't splurge '000s on a B&O system that it compatible with fuck all, like my Dad did.

I know that app updating by TV manufacturers gets a bad rap but have to say our 2014, relatively cheap, Samsung TV is still going strong - IPlayer, Prime, Netflix, All4, Youtube etc etc all still working fine.  Sure I will have to replace / go down the firestick route at some point  but currently the only potential thing missing I've found is that Samsung haven't ported new Disney+ app to older smart tvs

[tommytwotone]

I bought a new Toshiba in Jan and have gradually noticed the apps disappearing - YouTube went last week.

Fortunately I've got an XBox so have all the apps I need available through there.

[Johnny Brown]

Just to add Sony to the shitlist. Interesting re Samsung, seems like an outlier.

Apple TV box through the HDMI input.

This is not a smart tv. What makes a tv 'smart' is not needing anything else to stream.

[nai]

Just to add Sony to the shitlist. Interesting re Samsung, seems like an outlier.

Panasonic can go on that list too.
But a 5ish year old LG still rolling on with all streaming apps available

[James Malloch]

You may all be converting us...

We could fit a TV (32") into one of the alcoves which is largely hidden away. Though we would want it on a bracket which allows it to come out of the wall.

Like the look of the Samsung Frame which Nai linked too, though the premise of that seem to be that it sits flush and doesn't come out which would mean it couldn't be seen from a lot of angles in the room.

Any recommendations for this kind of thing would be welcomed instead!

[tomtom]

32” are cheap...that would  leave some ££ for a soundbar or some surround sound speaker thingies?

[Paul B]

Samsung do The Frame if you liked that as an idea.

[CrimpyMcCrimpface]

We could fit a TV (32") into one of the alcoves which is largely hidden away. Though we would want it on a bracket which allows it to come out of the wall.

Like the look of the Samsung Frame which Nai linked too, though the premise of that seem to be that it sits flush and doesn't come out which would mean it couldn't be seen from a lot of angles in the room.

Check my post from before with the image gallery link, that's exactly what I installed but the tv is 40" which was the largest could fit in the alcove.

This is the arm which has low profile and 610mm reach with around 180 degree range. This was the max reach/low profile I could find at the time. I measured it out on the floor with masking tape before buying to check could be seen from around the room. Very happy with result. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00BHVQFAA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[gme]

Just to add Sony to the shitlist. Interesting re Samsung, seems like an outlier.

Apple TV box through the HDMI input.

This is not a smart tv. What makes a tv 'smart' is not needing anything else to stream.

I think Sony are bomb proof and would be the top of my list.

I have had one of there smart TV for 7 years now and it wasn't the latest model when i bought it. Up until the last few months its never missed a beat, and its only Iplayer that is temperamental now, which is an easy thing to fix with a laptop and HDMI lead. Its been knocked over by the dog numerous times and even has a pin hole through the screen from being shot with an adapted Nerf bullet.

The TV i had before that was also a Sony and lasted 7 years before being killed off by a stray football.

[duncan]

I bought a new Toshiba in Jan and have gradually noticed the apps disappearing - YouTube went last week.

Weird as we’ve got an elderly  (>6 years) Toshiba. It’s always been slow but none of the apps we use (YouTube, Netflix, iPlayer) have stopped working and it refuses to die, much to the chagrin of the rest of the family who want to get something bigger, faster and more sparkling. The 40” screen doesn’t feel dominating* in a 5x4m room.


*Possibly because it is smaller than the speakers...

[SA Chris]

Mum has 2 smart Panasonic TVs, work fine except.... the firmware is no longer compatible with BBC Iplayer, which is what she watches most....   Now dumb TV....

£25 on a firestick fixes that. All terrestrial channel streaming services.

[tomtom]

Fire sticks will be able to show nowtv soon as well. Sky and Prime have agreed a deal.