Nikki Moore is Gadget Girl on BBC Two‘s Something for the Weekend and BBC Radio. The technology writer and presenter is also founder/editor of award-winning tech and gadgets site Girlgeekchic.com. From gadget must-haves to hot new video reviews, our girl Nikki will be bringing you weekly updates from the world of tech. You can follow Nikki on Twitter @girlgeekchic
Smart TV for dummies
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If you are thinking about investing in a brand new TV this Christmas, it's probably worth going down the Smart route. Here's a basic introduction to Smart TV and my pick of the options available...
What is Smart TV?
It is a TV that is able to connect to the internet allowing you to access the web as well as your home network via your television screen.
How does it work?
The TV is connected to the internet by plugging into your broadband connection. Most internet TVs plug into a router using an ethernet cable. However, if your wireless router is not near the TV you can also connect to it using Wi-Fi. This comes built into some TVs but if your TV doesn’t have it, you can usually buy a Wi-Fi dongle costing around £50.
Why would you get it?
Smart TVs offer you lots of viewing possibilities; you can stream rental films directly to your TV without the hassle of visiting the rental shop or posting DVD returns. For example, with lovefilm.com prices start at £5.99 per month for three discs per month (taking out one at a time). Use your big TV screen to make Skype calls from the comfort of your living room, share web photo albums with friends as well as accessing social network sites such as Twitter and Facebook all via your television screen.
Quick Guide
Panasonic Smart VIERA Connect TV
Viera Connect is Panasonic's latest Smart TV offering which brings internet TV and thousands of apps to your living room. Skype and Twitter integration allows you to watch TV live with the Twitter feed updating at the side or at the bottom of your screen. You can then tweet via the remote control, a wireless keyboard or using the Apple iPad. Connect the specially designed Panasonic HD communication camera (around £130) to make free Skype calls.
USP: Watch live TV with a live twitter feed at the same time
Price: Starting from around £500
Samsung Smart 3D TV
Samsung’s Smart TV package boasts an impressive app store to connect to online video on demand stores for instant movie-nights. Connect to your favourite content including BBC iPlayer, Facebook, Twitter, Skype and YouTube. Immerse yourself in the 3D viewing experience as well with Samsung’s range of 3d Smart TVs.
USP: 3D Smart TV.
Price: Starting from around £400
LG Smart TV
LG’s new Smart TVs have a good collection of apps including BBC iPlayer, Facebook and Twitter as well as film on demand from both Acetrax and Viewster. You can also access internet radio stations and can control your TV using LG’s innovative Magic Motion Remote on selected models which works a bit like a Nintendo Wii controller.
USP: Magic motion remote (around £50)
Price: Starting from around £400
Top Tip: If you want to purchase a Smart TV, always check price comparison sites such as www.kelkoo.co.uk or www.pricerunner.co.uk to get the best deal available.
Apple TV
What is it? It is a small device that connects to your TV using an HDMI cable. Once connected to your TV just plug the Apple TV power lead into the wall and away you go as everything streams wirelessly to your Apple TV. Connect to iTunes to watch films, TV programmes, photos and more.
Why is it different to Smart TV? A Smart TV is a TV that is directly connected to the internet. Apple TV connects to your existing TV set and allows you to access online content wirelessly through the device itself.
Pros: No need to buy a new TV. You can connect your Apple TV to your existing TV. It’s neat and cheap.
Cons: Limited content, not full HD can compromise quality of picture.
Price: Around £100
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