Anyone know anything about big screen TVs?

I am thinking of buying the Samsung LE40C650. It claims to have internet connectivity... but I cant find anywhere what this actually entails. Does it have a web browser? Can you watch all the online services like 4od and Iplayer etc?

Cant work out if its worth spending more on a TV with this web feature, or just get a cheaper TV and build a mini PC to sit next to it with a proper browser etc and connect via HDMI..

Anyone any experience of such things?

My panasonic has 'Viera cast', which allows net access, however its effectively its own browser, so limited to the sites that panasonic have set up into it. At the moment the usefull (ish) sites that are on there are youtube, picassa, eurosport, twitter. THere are a lot og german sites on it, and its always being updated to add more. It also means it can link with a media server, but this is also limited, as it wont play MP3s and alot of video formats.

I would expect most of makers have similar systems, and if they are IMO, dont bother paying extra for a tv with it, but if the tv your looking at has it then its not a bad gadget.

[Edited on 30/5/11 by loggyboy]

As above that samsung has the same functions... more of a gimmick to play with more than anything

My LG gets iPlayer, you tube and a buch of pay to watch movie things, never use it apart from the weather forecast as it's a bit naff really.

My cousins got a Samsung Seris 8 (I think) and its got built in net, but its pants for the net but a fantastic TV otherwise.

I prefer browsing through the PS3 via HDMI

My thoughts on integrating internet functions into a TV are that it would be a waste of money for me. TVs generally last quite a few years and a separate PC or set-top box is much more easily upgraded or replaced as technology progresses. I certainly don't expect to be using the same PC and software for anywhere near the length of time that I expect to be using the same TV and wouldn't want to be locked into the TVs limitations after a few years.

Samsung for me, iplayer etc looks as good as normal TV, pretty amazing, you can access the internet, ie UTube etc, quality here is rubbish but that's probally the recordings.

Connection is RJ45 in the back to my DSL modem, you can get WIFI modules.

I can also put up films, photo's and video's directly from my laptop as it mates, I cannot see any options to see what you have on your screen though.

Regards Mark

The internet connection gives you iplayer etc which means you can easily watch it full screen. Obviously it uses up a fair amount of your monthly download limit. Most of them connect via an ethernet cable, or a wireless adapter, some have wireless built in.

I have a sony that has built in iplayer, 5od, 4od, youtube, qriosity, lovefilm and a whole host of other streaming channels. Iplayer running in the high quality mode is excellent, better than the standard def. broadcast picture. Not played with the others much yet.

Having a Mini PC or HTPC will give you MUCH more flexibility but you have to turn it on, wait for it to start up etc and look after it like any normal PC (though I just leave mine on all the time). I prefer this to an TV with built in interface but then I tend to download movies etc and watch on the TV which you can't do (unless you pay for it) on an internet TV.

And then you're not restricted to the format or choices of your TV maker, you can watch anything you want whenever you want to and it will always be up to date.