TVs that can access the Internet

Internet Televisions
Web enabled TVs are the latest trend to hit the market and have the ability to retrieve and display web content on the TV screen.

It’s early days yet and you are limited to what you can access from specific channels for news, sport, and local weather and feeds from Flickr and YouTube. These are bound to be popular with fans of latest high tech breakthroughs or anyone interested in catching up on their emails from the sofa.

It can be misleading at first and you may think you can use your TV like you would on a normal computer browser but they are not all quite there yet.

It’s a great idea to be able to surf the net from the comfort of your sofa without having to switch the PC on and it won’t be too long before fully fledged web enabled TVs offer the full works.

In the mean time you’ll be able to access news channels and entertainment websites such as YouTube and photo-sharing sites like Picasa plus Yahoo! News, Yahoo! weather, Yahoo! Finance and Flickr.

The Internet TVs that are slowly emerging on the scene although rather limited in their web use gives an indication of how future multimedia televisions will be made. It is only a matter of time before the TV and computer become as one and manufacturers are getting ready to unveil their latest offerings.

Web Viewing Technology

You already have the big guns releasing their version of web enabled TVs. Manufacturers have their names for the Internet features and accessing web content including:

• Samsung – Internet@TV system
• Sony – Applicast,
• Panasonic – Vieracast.
• Philips – Net TV system

No doubt LG and Toshiba will have web enabled TVs available in the UK in the future.

It looks like things will be hotting up as manufacturers race for top spot in producing the best web TV experience.

Here is a taster of some:

Philips Web Enabled Internet TV

Philips have their Net TV system enabling you to connect to the web via an Ethernet cable or wirelessly to the World Wide Web. New models featuring Net TV include Philips series 8000 (connection via Ethernet cable) and 9000 plus their cinemascope TV Cinema 21:9 (both Wi-Fi enabled) due for release in early 2009.

Cinema21:9

• 56 in Full HD 1080p LCD 56PFL9954H

9000 series

• 37 in 1080p LCD 37PFL9604H
• 42 in LCD 42PFL9664H

8000 series

• 32 in LCD 32PFL8404H
• 42 in LCD 42PFL8404H
• 47 in LCD 47PFL8404H

The online web service is accessed via the remote control; it is more advanced and user friendly compared to teletext. Internet TV will appeal to many who like sharing online video content and web content with others; viewing will be better on a larger screen rather than gathered around a PC.

Manufacturers have teamed up with their various service providers: Philips is linked with YouTube, eBay, MeteoGroup (Europe’s largest private weather company), Funspot (an online gaming company), MyAlbum (a photo sharing website) and NetLog (an online social networking site).

Panasonic Web enabled Internet TV

Panasonic has partnered with Google’s Picasa, the free downloadable photo editing software and photo-sharing website. A dedicated button on the remote brings up a variety of on-screen widgets.

Panasonics gizmo for accessing the web is called Viera Cast and with the touch of a button you access YouTube^TM, Eurosport^TM and Google’s Picasa Web Albums^TM directly from your compatible VIERA TV. Models that can access the internet via Ethernet connections include:

• Panasonic TX-L37G15 37 in Full HD LCD TV
• Panasonic TX-L32V10 32 in Full HD LCD TV
• Panasonic TX-L37V10 37 in Full HD LCD TV

Sony Web enabled Internet TV

Sony’s web gadget is called Applicast and enables you to interact with a range of internet based applications on Bravia TVs. The picture frame widget is one of the five that you can add once connected to the internet. This allows you to download images from the Sony picture gallery or from your own photo collection to display on the full screen.

As well as giving you internet-on- TV functionality Sony boasts its 2009 LCD line-up of Bravia TVs is its “greenest ever,” These include TVs from the following series: WE5, W5500, E5300, E5500 and V5500

Models with Applicast include:

Samsung Web enabled Internet TV

The Samsung Internet@TV Content Service is available on the latest 8000 and 7000 series TVs, which offer both wired and wireless Ethernet connection options. Samsung has teamed up with Yahoo! to bring a selection of widget-based internet options to the TV and you will also be able to build a collection of new widgets offered by any of the content providers.

Current widgets, which will sit in a scrollbar along the bottom of the TV’s screen, include access to on-screen content from Yahoo!, Flickr and YouTube. This is a free service but further widgets are offered at a fee. You can access the content using the simple user interface and enjoy a selection of videos, photos, information, shopping etc.

Internet@TV Content Service is available on a range of Samsung LCD and Plasma TVs including:

Samsung Series 7

• 32 inch UE32B7020, UE32B7000
• 40 inch UE40B7020, UE40B7000
• 46 inch UE46B7020, UE46B7000
• 55 inch UE55B7020, UE55B7000

Samsung Series 8

• 40 inch UE40B8000
• 46 inch UE46B8000

Panasonic TX-L37V10B 37 LCD TV

Sit back and get set for another high performance TV via the exceptional LCD range from the Panasonic camp. The TX-L37V10B 37 inch full HD LCD has a lot to say about itself beginning with its amazing picture quality.

Expect vibrant and bright colours oozing from the chic styling of the full HD panel along with realistic images coming to life before your eyes. State of the art technology produces amazing pictures with clarity, depth and detail delivering super TV viewing.

Fast moving scenes are taken care of with 100Hz Intelligent Frame Creation and motion focus technology resulting in high resolution and smooth motion images that gamers and fans of fast action movies will love.

Panasonic TX-L37V10B Compare Price

Prices updated: Friday 30th Jul 2010

	Supplier	TV Deal Top 2	Price
1		Panasonic TX-L37V10B 37-Inch Widescreen Full HD 1080p LCD...	(new) £588.99 (used) £550.00
2		Panasonic TXL37V10B 37" Full HD 1080P Lcd Television	£842.90

Panasonic TX-L37V10B (TX-L37V10) Key Features

• 37 inch Full-HD Model with freesat built-in
• Superb Moving Picture Quality
• 100Hz Intelligent Frame Creation and Motion Focus Technology
• Wide 178 degree Viewing Angle with IPS Alpha Panel
• 24p Smooth Film
• Smart Networking with VIERA Link and VIERA Image Viewer
• 4 HDMIs, 2 Scarts (RGB)
• V-Audio ProSurround

Audio quality compliments the superior picture perfectly and is enhanced with in-built V-Real surround sound technology and bass extension. With the sound sorted out it only leaves the 24p Real Cinema setting for judder free playback and its excellent black reproduction to achieve the at the movies experience.

Panasonic believe in making light work of operating their televisions; you will find latest models like the TX-L37V10 have a colourful easy to navigate onscreen menu otherwise known as a graphical user interface (GUI) and an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) that’s a doddle to use for planning your weeks TV viewing. Operating the various functions via the remote is a pleasure in itself with its comfortable ergonomic design, clear labelling and large sensibly arranged buttons.

Moving on from the basic operating spec there are a host of features waiting to be unleashed. Panasonic TVs have a solid reputation when it comes to producing excellent pictures and the 2009 models are not going to let the side down. The Panasonic TX-L37V10 is a stunner not only in appearance but in performance too so its no wonder it was awarded 5 stars and voted Best Buy from What Plasma and LCD TV magazine.

There are no less than 4 HDMI sockets for hooking to your Blu-ray player, playstation, or Nintendo Games console or PVRs; these can be found on the underside of the television. In addition to its ample connectivity is its web access feature.

Web enabled TV

Web enabled TVs like the TX-L37V10B are slowly emerging on the LCD market but it won’t be long before it becomes a standard feature. With the help of the VieraCast feature this advanced TV is capable of picking up internet content from websites such as YouTube and the photo sharing site Picasa.

The TX-L37V10B is also DNLA (Digital Living Network Alliance) compatible. This means you can access your photos, music and movies from a compatible device such as your PC across your home network.

This 37 inch LCD comes with an integrated Freesat tuner so you can enjoy free HD digital satellite broadcasts and YV programmes.

Nowadays buying a new TV is not just for watching TV programmes and films it’s about multi media entertainment. You can play footage from your digital camcorder in high definition, view a slideshow from photos from your camera, access entertainment sites like Youtube or better still enjoy a night in at the movies.

Panasonic 37 inch LCD TVs

Other Panasonic 37 inch LCD TVs include the TX-37G10, TX-L37G15 and the TX-L37S10 of these the TX-L37S10 is the least expensive and is currently available online for around £560. The TX-37G10 and TX-L37G15 are priced about £680 and £829 whilst with the TX-L37V10B your looking at about £880.

Panasonic TX-L37V10B Specification

TV Tuner

• Tuner Integrated                     yes
• DVB Digital Tuner                 yes [DVB-T/freesat]
• Tuning System                        PLL synthesizer 100-position auto-search tuner
• CATV Compatibility              UK
• Broadcast Stereo Reception   NICAM (FM)
• Teletext Reception                  2000P FASTEXT Level 2.5
• Receiving System                   PAL-I, DVB-T, freesat
• Receiving System (AV input) PAL-60, NTSC, M-NTSC

Display

• Screen Size                              37″ (94 cm) diagonal
• Screen Aspect                         16: 9 Wide
• Panel                                      IPS-alpha Full-HD LCD Panel
• Fine Black Panel                     yes
• Viewing Angle                        178 degree
• Contrast (Dynamic)                50,000:1
• Progressive Scan                     yes
• Number of Pixels                   2,073,600 (1,920 x 1,080) pixels
• Applicable PC signals             VGA, WVGA, SVGA, XGA, WXGA, SXGA 60Hz
• Applicable Scanning Format   525 (480)/60i, 525 (480)/60p, 625 (576)/50i, 625 (576)/50p, 750 (720)/50p, 750 (720)/60p, / 1125 (1080)/50i, 1125 (1080)/60i, 1125 (1080)/24p (HDMI only), 1125 (1080)/50p (HDMI only), 1125 (1080)/60p (HDMI only)

• Intelligent Frame Creation      100 Hz IFC
• Motion Focus Technology      yes
• Intelligent Scene Controller    yes
• 24p Smooth Film                    yes
• 24p Playback                           yes
• Deep Colour (10-bit Panel)     yes
• x.v. Colour                              yes
• Colour Matrix Arrangement   yes
• Active Colour Enhancer         yes
• 3D Colour Management         yes
• Picture Overscan                     yes
• Video Noise Reduction          yes
• 3D Comb Filter                       yes
• Picture Mode                          Dynamic/Normal/Cinema/Game
• Vreal                                       Vreal Pro 4

Sound

• Speaker System                        Bottom Speaker
• Speakers:                                  1-way, 2-speakers
• Audio Output                          20 W (10 W x 2), 10% THD
• Sound Mode                            Music/Speech
• Surround                                  V-Audio ProSurround
• Dolby Digital Out                    Dolby Digital Plus

Input/Output

• CI (Common Interface)          yes
• VIERA Image Viewer            yes (AVCHD/DivX/JPEG playback)
• HDMI Input                           4 (3 rear, 1 rear bottom)
• Component Video Input         RCA phono type x 3 [Y , PB, PR] (rear)
• PC Input                                 Mini D-sub 15-pin x 1 (rear)
• Audio Input (HDMI1, PC,
• Component)                            RCA phono type connectors (L, R) (1 set, rear)
• 21-Pin Input/Output               AV1: AV In/Out, RGB In, Q-Link (rear) / AV2: AV                                       in/Out, S-Video In, RGB In, Q-Link (rear)
• LAN Port                                yes
• Monitor Out                            RCA phono type connectors (L, R) (1 set, rear)
• Audio Output                         Headphone jack (1, side)
• Digital Audio-
• Output (Optical)                     yes

Features

• EPG                                       yes
• VIERA Cast                          yes
• DLNA & DivX                      yes
• VIERA Tools                         yes
• VIERA Link                          yes (HDAVI Control 4)
• Multi Window                                   PIP/PAP/PAT
• Eco Mode                              yes
• Game Mode                           yes
• Q-Link                                               yes
• Aspect Controls                     Auto aspect/16:9/14:9/JUST/4:3/4:3 FULL (HD signal only)/Zoom1/Zoom2/Zoom3
• On-Screen Display -
• Languages                             English
• Hold                                      yes
• Off Timer                              yes
• Child Lock                            yes

General

• Power Supply  AC 220 – 240 V, 50/60Hz
• Rated Power Consumption     182 W
• On mode Average Power Consumption 134 W
• Standby Power Consumption 0.3 W
• Dimensions (W x H x D) (with TV stand)     896 x 648 x 287 mm
• Dimensions (W x H x D) (w/o TV stand)       896 x 578 x 67 mm (Panel depth: 51 mm)
• Weight (with TV stand)          18.0 kg
• Swivel Angle  ±15°
• VESA Standard          yes
• Operating Temperature           0°C – 35°C

Note: Similar model numbers may also be used in stockist’s product descriptions for example TX-L37V10, TXL37V10 or TXL37V10B

Samsung UE46B7020 LED TV

Samsung UE46B7020

Over its seventy years history Samsung has grown to become one of the world’s leading electronics company and with their latest release of LED TV Series 6 and 7, you can see why. The new series are ultra slim at only 29.9mm deep, are light and deliver amazing pictures.

This smart LED technology delivers amazing pictures and a whole host of benefits. The UE46B7020 is an Eco awarded LED TVs which is environmentally friendly with recyclable bezel frames, mercury free and lead free materials, requires less energy making them much kinder to the planet.

If you don,t need the internet@tv web content feature then you may want to take a look at the Samsung’s series 6 models. These are cheaper than the Samsung 7000 series and come in two sizes at the moment 40 and 46 inch: UE40B6000 and UE46B6000. The 40″ series 6 is available for less than a £1000.

The Samsung 46″ HD ready 1080p digital 100Hz LED TV is able to produce superior images that are clear, vibrant and true to life plus 100Hz Motion Plus technology ensures reduced blurring in fast moving scenes.

The 7000 series includes a 40 inch, 46 inch and 55 inch version in either rose black or platinum black.  The model numbers are

Platinum black

• 40 inch UE40B7020
• 46 inch UE46B7020
• 55 inch UE55B7020

Rose black

• 40 inch UE40B7000
• 46 inch UE46B7000
• 55 inch UE55B7000

The Wide Colour Enhancer pro with LED gamut also adds to the superior picture quality and LED lighting helps achieve a Mega Dynamic Contrast Ratio for improved contrast over previous LCD televisions.

The UE46B7020 delivers good audio performance with SRS Trusurround HD producing an atmospheric surround sound effect to compliment its impressive picture quality.

Key Features of Samsung 7020 series UE46B7020

• 46 inch screen size
• 24p technology
• Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Game Mode
• HDMI x 4
• Ultra slim 29.9mm
• LED lighting
• Eco-friendly TV
• 100Hz Motion Plus
• Mega Dynamic Contrast
• Wide Colour Enhancer
• SRS Trusurround
• DLNA Wireless
• Internet@TV
• USB2.0 (Movie)
• Content Library (Flash)
• EPG: 7 Day
• Picture-in-picture: 1 tuner PIP
• Colour: Platinum Black

Samsung’s 7020 series not only boasts the clearest, thinnest eco friendly LED TVs but also offers a new media experience. Medi@2.0 technology combines four media technologies that will enhance your television enjoyment.

Internet@TV: A new internet content services that allows you to watch TV Widgets from the internet without having to switch on your computer. News, sports, weather etc.

USB 2.0 Movie: A USB connection allows you to share your photos, files and music instantly.

Content Library: A pre loaded gallery allows you to select content categories on your TV without connecting to the internet. Various content available include cooking, games, fitness plus additional content can be downloaded from Samsung.

DNLA (Wireless): This enables you to access your photos, music and movies from your computer without cables.

For the purest picture this 46 inch LED TV has an Ultra Clear Panel that performs well in any lighting. Light reflection is eliminated for more comfortable viewing and pictures are detailed and clear.

The Next Generation TV from Samsung is also fully equipped for connecting all your HD devices and boasts 4 HDMI inputs. Another nice touch with series 7 is the new design of the remote control, Samsung describe it as a sea smooth pebble and an exquisite piece of electronic art.

This gorgeous ultra slim 46 inch LED LCD TV will really change the way you watch TV. Even before you switch it on this elegant television with its unique Crystal Design will take your breath away.

Note: Similar model numbers may also be used depending on sales channel or stockist for example UE46B7020WWXXC (Be Direct), UE46B7020WW (1stAudioVisual,Bennetts, Tribal UK, 24 Electric), UE46B7020W (John Lewis)