Do I buy a smart TV or a PVR - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ajp
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 06, 2013, 07:32:07 am
content: My analog CRT TV has finally died, and it is time to upgrade my whole system.I would likeDual HD tuner (record and watch)Recording medium (Hard disc or SS Disc)Optical disc playback (still have lots of DVDs)Optical disc recording (my mum still wants me to record stuff for her some time)Internet connection (who uses a DVD any more for movies)My problem is, should the TV just be a display device, using some form of external PVR, or should I go for a TV with smarts.With the TV as only a display device, I have come up with the following pros/consProsTV should be cheaper - needs less stuff in itCan't find TV with dual tuner - will still need some form of external OVR anywayConsTo watch TV, need to turn on two devices - probably use more powerTotal cost more - have to buy two devices right now.Your comments would be appreciatedOther questions I am not sure of- most TVs have poor sound - what is the best way to add external speakers with an external PVR. On the PVR or through the TVAndrew

author: Paul Price
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2013, 12:17:53 pm
content: The smart idea is really kinda dumb, IMHO. What you get is a TV that's trying to behave like a internet connected computer but with no keyboard and this is a poorly implemented idea. You probably would rather use your laptop or desktop for that function around your house.In my neck of this world's woods there many models of TV's with dual tuners available.Your best choice might be to buy a combo HD recorder/receiver with dual tuners and keep your old TV as a monitor if you think it is still big enough for you and has a nice picture. DVD recording has always been somewhat reliable and has fallen out of favor with consumers, so you will likely find it difficult to find many models available anymore. There is also a problem with the recording media and blank R/W DVD's are getting hard to find and you will have trouble erasing and re-using them many times over.The earphone output or optical out of your TV offers the best operational convenience to drive your sound amplifier because you don't ever have to switch your sound amplifier to another input to match what piece of equipment you are currently using.Be careful that your sound system has an optical input if your new TV only outputs sound this way. An optical to RCA stereo converter can easily cost another $100 US.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 06, 2013, 12:22:56 pm
content: Also keep in mind that opitcal and coax SPDIF are the same signal, it's just that one is optical and the other is electrical.Either is a good way to get a surround signal to your speakers/amp.Personally i prefer.. Projector + Media computer + Audio surround amp & speakers

author: cthree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2013, 03:19:15 am
content: Those TV/VCR combo units are pretty slick.Get a great, big display. The rest is just wank factor.I've got a 65" Panasonic plasma. I use an hdmi switch to flip between the bluray player, Apple TV, Xbox, ps3, wii and PVR. Audio goes to a Yamaha surround receiver via hdmi through the switch and then out to the monitor which has the volume set to zero.Everything if new should connect with hdmi cables only. You don't need S/PDIF, it is built into the hdmi cable. Get your hdmi cables from monoprice.I've found that to be the most flexible yet practical configuration.

author: cthree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 08, 2013, 03:30:13 am
content: Device -> hdmi -> switch -> hdmi -> receiver -> hdmi -> monitorOrDevice -> hdmi -> switch -> hdmi -> monitorHdmi switch is less than $50 at walmart, other options also available. You pay up for ports, maybe 2x for a receiver with 4 hdmi inputs vs 2. Fuck it, you just need one so you save big but still get surround decoding. Same for TV. You pay premium for extra crap, what you need is one hdmi input and a great panel.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 09, 2013, 12:52:48 am
content: utorrent. Latest series, watch when you want and no commercials!

author: cthree
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 12, 2013, 04:08:31 pm
content: Here's a TV for ya, cheap too!50" 4k Ultra HD LED for under a grand! I'd call that Smart TV.http://9to5toys.com/2013/07/11/seiki-digital-50-4k-ultra-hdtv-120hz-led-966-reg-1500/