Tech advice! TV-cable - hardware and stuff

[Nick]

The rundown: 42" LG LCD has a quickly failing picture. Recently moved and haven't ordered cable yet - do own the new Shaw Gateway setup with 3 portals (like $600), am considering not setting it up.

I don't think I watch anything that requires cable. NHL Center Ice + HBO and some way to stream movies would likely be a better fit. Anyone know anything about AppleTV? GoogleTV? capabilities of a smart TV to handle those? How capable is the wifi ?

The wall for my TV w/current furniture really only fits 50", so was thinking something like http://www.costco.ca/LG-50LN5750-50-in. ... 42930.html or a 47". Because of ceiling to floor windows plasma isnt really an option, despite the awesome picture/value.

But do I need a smart TV? Better served with one of the other options (like apple TV)?

I've been told setting a smart TV up with an ipad as a remote is pretty slick... I currentl have an under-used iPad...sooooooo

Figure while I'm re-mounting the TV it's the proper time to toss up a soundbar for a little more sound

http://www.costco.ca/.product.100027650 ... InCategory


ideas and advice appreciated

[Mike]

I have a 47" LG smart TV, rarely use the smart functions of it.

If you do want smart and can stick with 42" Costco has a great deal going: http://forums.redflagdeals.com/lava-hot ... a-1366629/

The remotes on these piss me off though, I ordered a normal remote a couple months after buying.

Use this tool to see if you can get any over-the-air HD from where you are: http://www.tvfool.com/index.php?option= ... &Itemid=29

I have a soundbar too. I quite like it for the small footprint. It has bluetooth too which is great.

[Nick]

Can a smart TV + wifi connect to NHL Center Ice? If it can do Netflix...I would guess yes, but have no clue. Anyone?

[Mike]

Depends on the smart platform. LG didn't support NHL last season, so I streamed through my PS3.

[Chuck Norris]

Netflix is horrible in Canada, dont waste your time. Apple TV so long as its cracked is nice. The new fad these days is like one but better. Its called a Raspberry Pie (also knows as the RPI). My buddy is one of the guys that been helping to develop the software as well as sells the units. All free streaming, no need for cable or subsriptions to anything. If you google it itll have lots of info on it. I could talk a ton about it but itll take too long to type out lol.

[Mike]

Netflix is horrible in Canada, dont waste your time. Apple TV so long as its cracked is nice. The new fad these days is like one but better. Its called a Raspberry Pie (also knows as the RPI). My buddy is one of the guys that been helping to develop the software as well as sells the units. All free streaming, no need for cable or subsriptions to anything. If you google it itll have lots of info on it. I could talk a ton about it but itll take too long to type out lol.

Netflix is fine here with unblock-us or media hint.

Rasberry Pi is nice, but they can be hard to get a hold of. I have a little android TV box as well but I never use it either. It streams NHL and netflix, or whatever you can do on an android phone/tablet. Was about $40.

[Chuck Norris]

Netflix is horrible in Canada, dont waste your time. Apple TV so long as its cracked is nice. The new fad these days is like one but better. Its called a Raspberry Pie (also knows as the RPI). My buddy is one of the guys that been helping to develop the software as well as sells the units. All free streaming, no need for cable or subsriptions to anything. If you google it itll have lots of info on it. I could talk a ton about it but itll take too long to type out lol.

Netflix is fine here with unblock-us or media hint.

Rasberry Pi is nice, but they can be hard to get a hold of. I have a little android TV box as well but I never use it either. It streams NHL and netflix, or whatever you can do on an android phone/tablet. Was about $40.

RPIs are easy considering my buddy has his own business selling them next door to my house Anyone wants one let me know and I can get one easily. Supply was difficult early but its alot better now and hes selling them like hotcakes.

[Mike]

Hard to buy for the $35 they are supposed to cost, I guess

[Nick]

If I'm not going to use the smart TV...shouldn't waste my time paying for it, is my thought.


How does one 'unblock' netflix ? this is something i'm going to have to figure out. Will Google RPI's

[Nick]

RPIs are easy considering my buddy has his own business selling them next door to my house Anyone wants one let me know and I can get one easily. Supply was difficult early but its alot better now and hes selling them like hotcakes.

Aight... so gimmie the run down.

How much for a functional setup that doesn't require me to me hakzor extreme? Plug in and watch stuff.

[kimmer]

Smart/3d TV for sports isn't worth paying for just yet. Technology is not fast enuff only baseball is the only near ready 3d experience

[Nick]

Ye I do not care about 3D...just seems to come with a lot of the TV's that have wifi/smart... dunno if i care about that either.

[Mike]

Pretty much... I've used the 3d like twice. It's pretty cool for the dual play feature: you can have two people playing a split screen game, one wearing left-left glasses, the other right-right, and each sees a distinct picture in full screen. I'm generally too lazy to put on the glasses though.

[Nick]

Pretty much... I've used the 3d like twice. It's pretty cool for the dual play feature: you can have two people playing a split screen game, one wearing left-left glasses, the other right-right, and each sees a distinct picture in full screen. I'm generally too lazy to put on the glasses though.

My mind is currently boggled. I have not seen this.

[Mike]

Dual play is specifically the LG-branded version of it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjFtNsjrZZs

[tyler]

What happened to your big ass TV Nick?

[cliff11]

What happened to your big ass TV Nick?

It's Steve's now

[Nick]

Ye. Sold it to Strueby, along with couches and end tables, lamp utensils & rest of kitchen stuff for cheap.

[anton]

did you try plugging it in?

[Nick]

Wall is 52" across, found a TV that is 49.6" across -> Should look nice & full.