It's 2016, and we still don't recommend buying a smart TV 5 reasons why you shouldn't buy a smart TV 5 reasons why you shouldn't buy a smart TV It's undeniable that smart TVs are already obsolete, and right now, the choice buying a smart TV would not be a smart thing to do. This is why. Read more . In fact, if you have an older HDTV that works fine, you should stick with it. You can easily turn it into a smart TV, rather than a smart TV.
The most basic definition of a smart TV is any TV that allows you to access the Internet. But you need much more than just “access” alone. You want to watch Netflix or Hulu, or stream news and sports if you've cut the cord.
Most smart TVs don't do a good job of this. In addition, they have serious security flaws. And, more importantly, buying a smart TV doesn't make it future-proof. New video standards and apps are introduced regularly, and smart TVs don't get regular updates to keep up with them.
Which brings us back to the first point. It's best to stick with a regular HDTV and turn it into a smart TV with specialized devices. Save money on a smart TV with these more affordable options Save money on a smart TV with these more affordable options Read more. Here are the best options..
The cheapest option of all is to buy a Google Chromecast Google Chromecast Review and Giveaway Google Chromecast Review and Giveaway We're giving away a Google Chromecast, so read our review and then join the competition to win. Read more . The little $35 gizmo fits into an HDMI slot on your TV. Once you set it up, you can stream media from computers or mobile devices, as long as they're both connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Chromecast is incredibly easy to use. Any app that supports it, like YouTube or Netflix, will let you cast a video to the TV. You can even see your device screen or a browser tab How to cast local media from your Mac to Chromecast How to cast local media from your Mac to Chromecast You can watch any movie, music or photo from your Mac hard drive to the big screen . It's just a matter of knowing which apps and tools can do it. Read More
The only drawback of the Chromecast is that it is not a standalone device. Your “Smart TV” with Chromecast requires an input device, such as a phone, tablet, or laptop.
There are several good media players out there. But we recommend Roku over all others. It is the most foolproof and easy interface for the non-technical user.
Roku Works With All Major Streaming Services 6 Reasons You Need A Roku [Opinion] 6 Reasons You Need A Roku [Opinion] Electronics can suck. I recently wrote an article about using the Xbox 360 as a media center. I came to the conclusion that it was not the best option. Sensing my betrayal, the 360 quickly... Read More It comes with a dedicated remote, which has a small headphone jack. That's right, you can use your regular headphones to listen to the TV wirelessly.
The new Roku 4 also supports high-resolution video in 4K and HDR (high dynamic range). To be honest, it's not a necessity for most people, and you should buy it only if your TV already supports 4K. Otherwise, get one of the older models, which will cost less.
There are a range of Roku models, so you need to know which Roku media streamer is right for you. Which Roku Media Streamer Should You Buy? Which Roku Media Streamer Should You Buy? The current offering is divided into five products:the Roku Streaming Stick and the Roku 1, 2, 3, and 4. This article looks at what each product can offer, and tries to determine which… Read More .
Both the Chromecast and the Roku are excellent. But if you want a really powerful smart TV, ditch Chromecast and get an Intel Compute Stick or Mini PC Thinking of buying a Chromecast? Buy a Stick PC instead of thinking about buying a Chromecast? Buy a PC Stick Instead, the Chromecast is a wonderful little gadget. However, it does have a few issues that might mean it's not the right choice for you. True geeks should consider buying a stick PC instead. Read more . You'll get a full-fledged Windows computer running on your TV.
It's a bit more expensive, but you can do a lot more with it. Obviously, you get all the Windows 10 apps, and you can stream anything in a browser like Edge. That includes 4K footage, too.
But more than that, it makes your smart TV more than just watching videos. Buying an Intel Compute Stick? 7 Pros and Cons You Should Know Buying an Intel Compute Stick? 7 Pros and Cons You Should Know The Intel Compute Stick wants to be a truly portable PC in your pocket. Read more . You can work with Office, check your emails, browse social networks, everything you often want to do. Heck, you can save all your photos in it too.
Pair it with a good wireless keyboard with a trackpad, or use a remote keyboard app on your phone. Either way, it's a great home theater PC (HTPC) for your living room. And better than building your own, since the Compute Stick and mini PCs are small and can be hidden in any home theater setup.
If the Windows operating system isn't that important, then a Raspberry Pi is a cheaper option for an HTPC The Raspberry Pi Home Theater:What It Can and Can't Do The Raspberry Pi Home Theater:What It Can can and can't do if By following our recent articles on the Raspberry Pi, you will know that it can be configured as a media streaming client with a dedicated XBMC and you should also consider... Read More It offers the same benefits of low power and small size, while running on a Linux operating system.
The Pi will also require a keyboard or remote app. You'll also ideally need the new Raspberry Pi 3, as it has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Add an HDMI cable, a case, and a microSD card, and the total cost shouldn't exceed $50. Not bad to get a full PC for your HDTV, huh?
In case you have any other queries, check out our guide to setting up a Raspberry Pi media center with RasPlex. The easiest Raspberry Pi media center, powered by RasPlex. The easiest Raspberry Pi media center, powered by RasPlex. Read More
We've said it before, we'll say it again. In Apple vs. Android, buy the ecosystem, not the gadget Apple vs. Android:buy the ecosystem, not the gadget Apple vs. Android:Buy the Ecosystem, Not the Gadget You love your Android phone and want to buy a tablet. Everyone tells you that the iPad is the best tablet, and it really is the best; But you still have to buy an Android tablet. Read more . So if you use an iPhone and a Mac, do yourself a favor and get an Apple TV. Still not sure if you need an Apple TV? Here's what you can do Still not sure if you need an Apple TV? What can you do? What's so much more about another expensive purchase from Apple? See what you can do with an Apple TV and decide for yourself. Read more . If you have an Android phone with a Windows Chromebook or laptop, an Android TV box might make sense. Android TV Boxes:What are they and what can they do? Android TV Boxes:What are they and what can they do? Companies like Apple, Roku, and Western Digital have already capitalized on this with their set-top boxes, but now a new wave of Android options has hit the market. Normally available between $60 and $100,… Read More .
Both of these smart boxes will turn your TV into a smart TV, but they're rooted in your ecosystem. Don't try to mix and match, it's not the ideal experience.
It's hard to fully justify buying these over one of the other options, but if your purchases are primarily from the Play Store or App Store, then it makes sense.
Both major video game consoles are capable media players. Which game consoles can you use as a media center? What game consoles can you use as a media center? Looking at the next-gen offerings from Microsoft and Sony, it seems that adding video, TV, music, and your photo collection (and probably social media) to the mix of gaming and unlocking achievements is now part and... Read More own right. The biggest feature they have and some they don't have is a Blu-ray drive for watching HD movies. The consoles also put out better quality audio than any of the other options, should you use external speakers. And soon they will get HDR support too.
In particular, the Xbox One is a fantastic media player PS4 vs Xbox One:5 Reasons to Buy the Xbox One PS4 vs Xbox One:5 Reasons to Buy the Xbox One This year's E3 felt like it was over before it started. Although the conference lasted for days, both Microsoft and Sony made their announcements before the doors opened, showcasing not only the hardware but also... Read More It is compatible with all Microsoft services, such as Groove Music. It even has the Plex media server, in case you use that one.
Over the past year, the PlayStation 4 has received updates to make it a capable media player as well. The interface isn't as intuitive as the Xbox One, but once you get used to it, it just works.
While we have articles to help you choose between a Media Player, Media Streamer and HTPC Media Streamer, Media Player or HTPC:Which one is for you? Media Streamer, Media Player or HTPC:Which one is for you? Read More The common thread here is that a smart TV is not necessary.
Many people who buy a smart TV don't end up using the "smart" features at all. If you bought a smart TV, we want to know, do you use its smart features regularly? Or do you have a Chromecast, Roku, or console that gets more attention?
Share with us in the comments section below!
