tV/Smart Tv/roku Et Al.... Ugh, Help!

Updated on November 19, 2011
V.W. asks from Atlantic Beach, FL
4 answers

Alright ladies,
I am struggling trying to figure out what I want to get. I know some of you out there are familiar with some of these things and was hoping you could shed some light. I am typically the electronics (TV, gaming stuff, computer, etc) purchaser in our house. My husband likes that I will do the research and all he wants is for whatever we get to WORK. He is NOT a techno freak who will care if the picture is in HD or not. So... I am shopping for a TV for our extra room. We do not plan to run the satellite feed into that room, so it will essentially be used only for streaming or watching DVD/Blueray movies. Help me sort through what's out there.

I have read in some places that certain brands do not interface very well with other brands, etc. I have always loved my Sharp TV's and we also have a Samsung that has been great for the past 6 years. I have considered getting a "smart" TV, but really think that just a regular flat screen will be better, and then add whatever. But that's the kicker. WHAT do I add? If I buy a Samsung LCD, is it fine to stick a Sony BlueRay with Wi-Fi onto it? Will they work without a lot of hassle? We have Airport Express for our Wi-Fi in the house. Will that be compatible?
I also want to add something to our bedroom's TV. Will a Roku stream Netflix for us there? Or should I upgrade the DVD player in there to a BluRay that streams? There are just so many ways to go about it that I am confusing myself about what is the best way to go. I just found what looks like a fantastic deal on a 40" Samsung at Sears, but it is not internet/smart. I will have to add a box (I'm thinking BluRay w/WiFi). Does it matter if I go with Sony BlueRay? Should I spring for the Samsung BluRay player so it is all brand compatible or that an issue? Vizio has one on sale for $109 this week at Target. Would that be a better choice?
Sorry that my question is all over the map, but that is exactly how my brain feels right now.
Anyone have advice from first hand experience?
I'd love to get this settled NOW and make my purchase(s) before Thanksgiving....

ETA: There is also A Sony Google TV 40" with Built in WiFi on sale that I am looking at...

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So What Happened?

Went shopping today (to scout things out and talk to sales people who might have good info). I think we will go with a "regular" TV and get a BluRay with WiFi and streaming. I am not thrilled to be buying a bluray player, as this house already has 3 functioning DVD players, plus 2 portable ones, plus the ones on all the computers and laptops... but I am not hooking up laptops to my TV, either....
I know several ladies on here (other posts I've read) are big fans of Roku (or maybe just Hulu), but most of the TV we watch (if it isn't streaming netflix) is live news (Fox), live sports (football/tennis/basketball/hockey) or the Catholic channel (interesting discussions on there); not any of the serial sitcoms or serial dramas. I'm not sure that any of the streaming things (HULU, Roku, etc) are going to help with any of our 3.... lol.
I think by the end of the week, we'll have a new Samsung somewhere in the house. I'd like a 37 inch one, but it is looking like it will be a 40" screen. Not nearly as much selection/competition in the 37" range. :(

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.B.

answers from Dayton on

I don't have a techy bone in my body, but I can tell you that I was completely underwhelmed with Roku. You can stream Netflix on it, but if you are looking for the free channels they weren't very good. I would stick to something that streams in addition to doing something else (i.e. an xBox or the BluRay that streams). We decided to return it and put the money toward a new laptop that will stream and give us another use too. You had to page through all the options to get what you want and there wasn't a way to type things in. Granted we didn't try it with Netfilx itself, but I bet it would be cumbersome to find the movies you wanted.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

B.

answers from Augusta on

Roku does stream netflix but also most Bluray players now stream netflix.
as far as smart TVs goes I recommend the LG LED LCD. GREAT picture , accesses netflix, pandora, hulu, accuweather and connects to your computers so you can access the content that's on your computer through your router and you can access pictures, movies, and music from there.
Your tv and blu ray player do not have to be the same brand. Bluray player will play DVDs as well as bluray disks.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.P.

answers from Orlando on

We are a LG/Sony family and we own three Apple TV boxes. We tried the Roku and we were disappointed. We use AirVideo a lot. I heard the Tootle Tv was pretty nice too.

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

Do you have a Best Buy store close? Go there and tell them what result you want and they can walk you through the options. I've had very good luck with the guys that work at BBY - not every one, but I am always able to find one that will answer my questions.

I have a Dynex (BBY brand) TV and separate Dynex DVD player, and a Roku box. Cost was my main criteria, along with easy setup. We don't have cable/satellite, we only stream Netflix/Amazon through our wireless network to the TV through the Roku box.

I don't see any functionality on the Smart TVs that would make any extra expense worthwhile. They are also very new, which to me means possible glitches.

1 mom found this helpful
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