smart tv or not smart tv: this is the question

[francois]

Here is a thread that summarize in a few words what is really smart TV:
http://www.howtogeek.com/176392/smart-t ... -smart-tv/
Don't loose your time with their features. By some cheaper model smart tv or a tv with the appropriate entry in the back (hdmi or other) and plug an android tv, chromecast, apple tv or roku device on it (stream players).

Nonetheless, to have some balance, here is a thread which is more indulgent on smart tv:
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/smart-tv-fa ... -2111.html

Personally, the first thread is really more on target. I own a LG Smart TV.

Your opinion, is really appreciated on that topic. It seems that sometime, and maybe often, I could be off target.



Note: Stream players market grows very fast presently. See this comparison of different stream players devices:
http://www.techradar.com/us/news/televi ... r--1239332

[donald]

dimm the lights down and don't talk....the smart-TV is watching you

Think of all the information that may be collected about you:
which movies do you look at (interrests..political..critical)
and when (are you at home or not)
And to whom will your TV send this Profile...who knows.

well it's all about money,therefore they offer you the possibility
to pay and pay and pay for the same (movie)- crap again and again.

nevertheless I'm feeling happy..

[francois]

It seems you are right, some of them smart tv do depending on your use, but also baby-monitoring cameras:
http://www.tomsguide.com/us/smart-tv-fa ... -2111.html
11. Can a smart TV watch you?

Yes, it can. Information you share on a Facebook app on a TV or when ordering on Amazon or Netflix on the big screen is shared in the same way as when you conduct such business on a PC or a smart phone.

In 2012, computer researchers demonstrated ways to break into particular smart TVs that had built-in video cameras and microphones to eavesdrop on people in their living rooms.

Hackers have broken into connected baby-monitoring cameras in the past. And companies can collect private information about you and your viewing habits from a smart TV. Late in 2013, for example, LG admitted to receiving information about what channels owners were watching even after those users turned on the privacy setting. (LG said that was due to a software bug and that it has since corrected the problem).

[rara]

This is an old thread, but I hope I can add some value here.

A normal (dumb or not smart as you may like to call them) + a media player serves the purpose. A media player, or a USB stick computer, or a USB streaming device; unlimited choices whichever route you wanna take. Personally I always feel it's best to have devices that specialize in one job they do. For example: if there is a new format your TV can't decode you only need to upgrade your media player. Or if there is a new streaming service your TV doesn't like, you don't need to change the whole TV, just get a new streaming device. Similarly, if the TV panel is outdated, just change the TV.

But I can see why people will pay for simplicity. Not everyone like wires. Not everyone is good at finding compatible devices, or put them together. So, they will pay for one device that does it all for them. Of course at a premium. Now that premium is justified or not is for individual to decide.

For, a TV is one with a good, really goo panel. Get a sound bar for better audio. Get a streamer for Netflix, Pandora. Or get an Android stick, or an Intel USB computer. For baby monitoring an such, dedicated cameras can be placed more strategically, can be more cost effective and may offer better features and quality for the money.

[francois]

This is not such an old thread. And however old it could be, if its content and your comments are pertinent, and of actualité: it is still a good thread.

Thanks for your comments.