Televisions

[Pachapapa]

@Char
Try and refresh on one key topic at a time. For example HDMI, HDMI ARC, HDMI eARC and optical connection. All related to the video & audio.
The more hi fidelity involved the more important.
https://nerdtechy.com/hdmi-arc-optical

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[elsie]

To receive other than standard broadcast programmes, most TVs have some sort of computer capability (e.g. Android) - smart TVs - unless they are dumb. I wouldn't worry too much as my experience over the last ten years or so is smart TVs get dumber. That has been my experience with Samsung and Panasonic TVs. The TVs don't have enough memory for software updates or there are significant changes which manufacturers then can't be bothered to reprogram for. This has also happened to satellite decoders and CD/DVD players which had extra functionality. There can also eventually be problems with subscription services.

Having a device (e.g. Firestick/Chromecast/Roku/Apple TV) plugged in to a USB port on the back of a TV will give you something which is more likely to have the software updated. That is what I had to do in the last couple of years with by four-year old Panasonic (and previously with an earlier Samsung). I usually take a plug-in device with me when on holiday as it can often be used with hotel TVs which only have limited channels (but that usually also requires a VPN).

I wouldn't worry too much with all the bells and whistles in a TV but opt for one which gives a good picture (in various lighting situations) and has plenty of USB ports for adapters to be plugged in.

TV manufacturers are really assemblers. TV models which are recommended for one size of screen may not be so good for another size so check reviews for the size of interest to you. The screen panels are made by different manufacturers which are then incorporated into branded TVs.

I also saw quite recently some comments on Samsung TVs not having very positive comments compared to Panasonic/Sony TVs with regards to reliability/spares availability but unfortunately I can't remember where.

If you want detailed comments, a good place to look is on AV Forums where there are discussions of various size screen models https://www.avforums.com/forums/what-is ... r-you.367/ But it can get technical!

[Pachapapa]

@elsie
and has plenty of USB ports for adapters to be plugged in.
My Samsung TV has a 2.5T HD almost full plugged in with HDMI at both ends of cable. Plus independent power cable.

[elsie]

I should have added the "smart" functions are for catch-up services such as iPlayer, ITVHub etc as well as Netflix, Amazon Prime, YouTube, Disney, etc. and other subscription services (but some need a VPN).
I also use the functions to play video and audio recordings from my network server and then through my AV amplifier.

[Pachapapa]

My TV stick to smarten up my TV only has an HDMI connection.
https://www.mi.com/global/mi-tv-stick/

[Hotrodder]

You guys are lucky. Our old CRT that refuses to die only has a couple of scart sockets on the back. Luckily there's a USB port on the front of our cheapo satellite decoder. I use that to feed movies I have downloaded from the internet.

[elsie]

That was an error!
Firestick/Chromecast etc connect to a HDMI sockets not USB

[Pachapapa]

@Hotrodder
Quote.
"Our old CRT that refuses to die ......".
I got an old CRT bulbous glass screen with a peritel, that is in the dining room just for french news at lunch and supper time. It runs of a set top box which has a peritel and HDMI.

[Char]

Thanks everyone - now we know why we've never been able to get the sound running through the dvd speakers via the hdmi cable. No arc.

We've now bought a new one after reading through everything kindly posted on this thread. We have 2 usb ports 3 hdmi/arc ports and various other connections, I've had to buy a new hdmi lead that incorporates arc. No adroid or any of the other bells and whistles that we don't need.
One thing I didn't take into account is that TV's on display in large shops don't look as big as they do when you set one up in an ordinary sized room - I might need to bash a hole in the room next to the lounge and sit on the far side of that room to watch the TV properly, 'tis a wee bit big.

[Blaze]

One thing I didn't take into account is that TV's on display in large shops don't look as big as they do when you set one up in an ordinary sized room - I might need to bash a hole in the room next to the lounge and sit on the far side of that room to watch the TV properly, 'tis a wee bit big.

You'll be surprised how quickly you get used to it !! In a few months' time it won't seem too big at all !!