Internet Capable TVs

[toasty]

Just added a new TV to the household, and ended up getting one of those new ones that has internet connectivity built into it. I've got to say, I expected it to be gimmicky but not particularly useful, but having played around with it a bit, it's pretty damn cool. I've got an actual computer hooked up to another TV, and I can't think of any good reason why I'd bother with that anymore because this is so well integrated into the TV. Primary apps I'm using:

YouTube
Amazon On Demand
Picasa
Pandora

Add Hulu into the mix, and I might cut off my DirecTV.

They've spoken for years about using broadband connections as the primary way of delivering TV content; they finally seem to have done it in a way that actually makes that practical...

[Kamal]

Re: Internet Capable TVs

What tv did you get toasty. My initial sentiments are like your's i.e. Internet on TV will be gimmicky.

[toasty]

Re: Internet Capable TVs

Panasonic G20-Series 50" 1080p Plasma

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Televisions/VIERA-2010-HDTV-Series/VIERA-G20-Series-Plasma-1080p-HDTVs/model.TC-P50G20_11002_7000000000000005702

It's got built-in Skype as well, although I've not bothered to hook that up yet.

[Kamal]

Re: Internet Capable TVs

DUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUDE That's the one I'm most likely going to plonk my cash on. I'd like to get the V20 (if I can convince the mrs.) but being almost double in price, the G20 looks like it will be the most likely pick.

Nice Buy

Where'd you get it?

[toasty]

Re: Internet Capable TVs

Best Buy. They had a deal going at the time where they threw in a Blu-Ray and Home Theatre set up, plus delivery and hookup for less than the normal price of the TV. The TV is in my daughter's play room, so I hadn't planned on bothering to get that stuff, but since they threw it in, all the better.

[Kamal]

Re: Internet Capable TVs

Awesome, grats on the new purchase. Panny is putting out the best plasma's at the moment. I'd sneak that into the master bedroom if I could

[toasty]

Re: Internet Capable TVs

I'd sneak that into the master bedroom if I could

Already have a 50" Samsung Plasma in the Master, actually.

[Kamal]

Re: Internet Capable TVs

Swap that shit. Believe me, you'll be able to tell a day and night difference in the blacks/contrast ratios on the new G20. It's truly a remarkable TV.

[toasty]

Re: Internet Capable TVs

Swap that shit. Believe me, you'll be able to tell a day and night difference in the blacks/contrast ratios on the new G20. It's truly a remarkable TV.

We're actually doing more TV watching in the play room right now -- she's 15 months and our house is not really toddler friendly, so we built this space so she'd have a place to play that was totally safe for her, but because she's still too young to leave unattended, we're spending a lot of time down there with her. Gotta have something to keep us entertained, you know.

...And you're right, by the way, the picture is just phenomenal. We've got a number of big screens in the house, and it blows them all away.

[Kamal]

Re: Internet Capable TVs

We're actually doing more TV watching in the play room right now -- she's 15 months and our house is not really toddler friendly, so we built this space so she'd have a place to play that was totally safe for her, but because she's still too young to leave unattended, we're spending a lot of time down there with her. Gotta have something to keep us entertained, you know.

makes sense then..

...And you're right, by the way, the picture is just phenomenal. We've got a number of big screens in the house, and it blows them all away.

that just seals the deal for me all the more..... NICE.

I was contemplating Sharp's new Quattron and I read a lot of reviews on the AVS forums where people coming from Sony (XBRs) and other TVs couldn't stop harping about how good it looks. I was also contemplating Sony's new HX 7XX series and the 2 Panny models but after your comments, I think I'll go with the G20.

The only concern I still have with Plasma's is the rising MLLs i.e. the blacks fade to grey because the plasma cells need more and more juice over time to fire with the same intensity and so they start to fade - esp the blacks. Some people say they never notice it, others say its so evident its downright crazy. These must be videophiles because I've been using a rear projection LCD for over 2 years now and I haven't notice a change in my tvs clarity. Granted it's not a plasma and a lot of my viewing is now in hidef, but even rear projection lamps are supposed to diminish/weaken over time and my noob eye hasnt caught much to date.

[toasty]

Re: Internet Capable TVs

I was contemplating Sharp's new Quattron and I read a lot of reviews on the AVS forums where people coming from Sony (XBRs) and other TVs couldn't stop harping about how good it looks. I was also contemplating Sony's new HX 7XX series and the 2 Panny models but after your comments, I think I'll go with the G20.

I took a look at those, and to be completely honest, they definitely looked better when placed next to a TV that only used 3 color channels, but I'm not sure I would notice the difference with it just sitting there by itself without something else there for comparison. Moreover, it wasn't so much of a difference to justify the fairly significant price upgrade, IMO.

The only concern I still have with Plasma's is the rising MLLs i.e. the blacks fade to grey because the plasma cells need more and more juice over time to fire with the same intensity and so they start to fade - esp the blacks. Some people say they never notice it, others say its so evident its downright crazy. These must be videophiles because I've been using a rear projection LCD for over 2 years now and I haven't notice a change in my tvs clarity. Granted it's not a plasma and a lot of my viewing is now in hidef, but even rear projection lamps are supposed to diminish/weaken over time and my noob eye hasnt caught much to date.

I've heard that as well, but I got my first plasma 3.5 years ago, and I've not really noticed any problems at this point. The other thing I kinda like about plasma is the refresh rate is just not an issue at all. Entry level LCDs refresh at 60 Hz, better ones at 120 Hz, and the high-end models refresh at 240 Hz. With plasmas, however, they all refresh at 600 Hz, as far as I'm aware, and that makes a difference when you're watching anything where people or objects are, you know, moving. The blacks on a plasma are just better than an LCD, IMO, too.

[Kamal]

Re: Internet Capable TVs

I've heard that as well, but I got my first plasma 3.5 years ago, and I've not really noticed any problems at this point. The other thing I kinda like about plasma is the refresh rate is just not an issue at all. Entry level LCDs refresh at 60 Hz, better ones at 120 Hz, and the high-end models refresh at 240 Hz. With plasmas, however, they all refresh at 600 Hz, as far as I'm aware, and that makes a difference when you're watching anything where people or objects are, you know, moving. The blacks on a plasma are just better than an LCD, IMO, too.

That's the kind of positive reinforcement that will convince me to buy a Panny Plasma. Btw have you tried to adjust the settings yet? See post# 3 of this thread - http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1232441

That dude is really looked up to on the avs forums.

[toasty]

Re: Internet Capable TVs

That's the kind of positive reinforcement that will convince me to buy a Panny Plasma. Btw have you tried to adjust the settings yet? See post# 3 of this thread - http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1232441

That dude is really looked up to on the avs forums.

Have not, but thanks for the link, will def. do that when I get a chance!

[Kamal]

Re: Internet Capable TVs

btw did you buy the extended warranty from BB?

[i!!ustrious]

Re: Internet Capable TVs

http://www.jlc-software.com/?page=internet_tv.html

JLC's Internet TV is a FREE program for watching and browsing thousands of TV channels freely available on the internet. It's probably the biggest and most up to date database of channels ever, and users are able to submit, rate and flag channels. And with the new flagging and rating system you'll easily see which channels works and which is worth to watch and our goal is to bring you the best online TV experience out there!