Any recommendations for family entertainment solution?

[trousers]

Hi,

My grandmother left me £1,000 in her will and we've decided to buy a 'family entertainment' system with it. By this I mean a TV that we can access the internet with + a new games console.

Our somewhat bedraggled current set up is as follows:

- LG 32 inch LCD TV (must be getting on for 5 years old now)
- Freeview box (non-HD) with harddrive video recorder
- Cheapish LG Cinema sound system (including DVD player that doesn't work anymore)
- Wii console (which also stopped playing games discs about 6 months ago.

What we would like to be able to do with the new set up:

- Watch Freeview TV - probably with HD option
- WiFi capability so we can stream things like movies (e.g. lovefilm, netflix, itunes) direct to the TV without having to plug in a laptop etc
- A new games console to replace the Wii (open to Playstation or XBOX rather than just a like for like)
- The ability to record TV programmes to a hard drive, memory stick or such like using a built in TV guide
- The ability to directly access TV channel players (BBC iPlayer, 4OD, ITV player, etc)
- The ability to watch YouTube videos
- The ability to surf the internet (including the option to use a wireless usb keyboard and mouse)
- The ability to easily show photos on screen with friends/family (here I thinking this would possibly be achieved via the internet capability - i.e. sharing photos using online facility such as Picasa

I guess the main decision I need to make is whether I should go for as much of these features built into the TV as possible (i.e. one of these Smart TV gizmos that I keep hearing about or whether it would be better to keep things separate (bear in mind the lady of the house hates having separate units cluttering up the lounge!). Also, I'm not sure if it's best to get the WiFi access directly through the TV or perhaps via an all singing all dancing games console.

Any recommendations appreciated (including which TV manufacturers are better than others for this kinda thing)

Cheers,
Trousers

[Sergei Gotsmanov]

Hi,

My grandmother left me £1,000 in her will and we've decided to buy a 'family entertainment' system with it. By this I mean a TV that we can access the internet with + a new games console.

Our somewhat bedraggled current set up is as follows:

- LG 32 inch LCD TV (must be getting on for 5 years old now)
- Freeview box (non-HD) with harddrive video recorder
- Cheapish LG Cinema sound system (including DVD player that doesn't work anymore)
- Wii console (which also stopped playing games discs about 6 months ago.

What we would like to be able to do with the new set up:

- Watch Freeview TV - probably with HD option
- WiFi capability so we can stream things like movies (e.g. lovefilm, netflix, itunes) direct to the TV without having to plug in a laptop etc
- A new games console to replace the Wii (open to Playstation or XBOX rather than just a like for like)
- The ability to record TV programmes to a hard drive, memory stick or such like using a built in TV guide
- The ability to directly access TV channel players (BBC iPlayer, 4OD, ITV player, etc)
- The ability to watch YouTube videos
- The ability to surf the internet (including the option to use a wireless usb keyboard and mouse)
- The ability to easily show photos on screen with friends/family (here I thinking this would possibly be achieved via the internet capability - i.e. sharing photos using online facility such as Picasa

I guess the main decision I need to make is whether I should go for as much of these features built into the TV as possible (i.e. one of these Smart TV gizmos that I keep hearing about or whether it would be better to keep things separate (bear in mind the lady of the house hates having separate units cluttering up the lounge!). Also, I'm not sure if it's best to get the WiFi access directly through the TV or perhaps via an all singing all dancing games console.

Any recommendations appreciated (including which TV manufacturers are better than others for this kinda thing)

Cheers,
Trousers

My Grandmother left me £500 and I bought a Greyhound that used to run at Wimbledon. Brilliant entertainment.

[bridge too far]

My grandmother left me £200 (20 years ago) and I bought a piano. My children are all still quite musical

[trousers]

Cheers! Sounds like I should buy a greyhound AND a piano instead. I've got a few ideas as to how I might combine the two for a top evening's entertainment :-)

[JPTCount]

my dads just got a Samsung smart tv and it does all the streaming stuff, and freeview. WiFi needed a extra dongle, but no internal HDD, although it has the ability with an external one. very impressed with the overall quality, the os is android based, and the browser even has flash so u can stream basically anything else. only limit is only two USBs. I'm sure there are versions that have a bit more as his was in the sale and not brand new.

as for the console I wouldn't bother upgrading unless u really wanna play high end games, smart TVs are just as good, if not better than PS3/Xbox, most of the iPlayer etc. stuff is exactly the same layout, and it offers extra stuff like fitness and opera if that's ur cup of tea.

or if ur more into windows based games get an htpc instead. I use xbmc through my house and can stream my media to any monitor, tv and a couple stereos.

[mdearlove]

Just bought an LG PM670T 50" Plasma for £599 from John Lewis - Full HD, Smart TV, 3D. Took a usb key with me of stuff I downloaded and it played the lot and all of it looked great without needing tweaking. I had to get John Lewis to Price Match RGB Direct as they wanted £799 originally. £599 with a 5 year warranty - can't go wrong.

[Whitey Grandad]

I replaced all my tvs earlier this year. In our conservatory I have a 40" Samsung 3D with a PS3 that I bought on my son's advice. As it happens the tv does most of what the PS3 did except play games and discs. You can put a USB memory stick in and record program's but it only has one tuner. I passed the PS3 onto my grandson and now have a Virgin TiVo box which does almost everything too. The tvs are 'only' a few hundred quid.

[Joey-deacons-left-nut]

This http://www.richersounds.com/product/...ana-txp50st50b

Does it all

access to iplayer 4od etc, built in web browser (you can control it from any ios device), fully dnla compliant, will even play mkvs so you can stream downloaded films from your pc, HD freeview, and if you attatch a usb hard drive you can pause rewind tv, oh and its 3d(2 free pairs of glases via a voucher)

YOu won;t need anything else, plus panasonic plasmas are about as good as you can get!

[Gemmel]

I can't believe you have opted for a TV, when the obvious choice surely, is a pst pledge

[View From The Top]

I've got a 42" Panasonic 720i plasma & a 42" LG 1080i. LG has the all the USB/HDMI slots I could ever need with all the bells & whistles accessible plus my PS3 plugged in which I use as my media server.

Happy days.

[Jonnyboy]

This http://www.richersounds.com/product/...ana-txp50st50b

Does it all

access to iplayer 4od etc, built in web browser (you can control it from any ios device), fully dnla compliant, will even play mkvs so you can stream downloaded films from your pc, HD freeview, and if you attatch a usb hard drive you can pause rewind tv, oh and its 3d(2 free pairs of glases via a voucher)

YOu won;t need anything else, plus panasonic plasmas are about as good as you can get!

OK, I want something just like this but half the price...any budget options?

[Ohio Saint]

For 50 quid you could buy a paddling pool and fill it with mud and get jiggy with your sister. That's what they do for family entertainment in Pompey.

[Jonnyboy]

For 50 quid you could buy a paddling pool and fill it with mud and get jiggy with your sister. That's what they do for family entertainment in Pompey.

Sorry, no sister and Im not from Pompey, is your sister free tonight?

[BadgerBadger]

I've got a Humax PVR which ticks most of the boxes but not all.

[JPTCount]

OK, I want something just like this but half the price...any budget options?

dont bother with the 3d then, and maybe something a little smaller.

the industry guideline is a screen 2.5x the distance you are viewing from, although hone cinema ppl say 1.6x.

[Gingeletiss]

I can't believe you have opted for a TV, when the obvious choice surely, is a pst pledge

Trousers.....trousered! he won't live this down back on the friendly thread.

[trousers]

It is possible to pledge £1000 to the trust but never actually go through with it.... ;-) Remind me, what is that percentage figure they need to make their bid viable?

Oops...back on topic...

Having done a bit more research into what's available, one thing that has surprised me somewhat is that there are very few, if any, TVs with a twin tuner built in. Most of the Smart TVs are "PVR Ready" in that you can plug in an external hard drive and record direct from the integral TV programme guide...but...because they only have one Freeview tuner it won't be possible to record one programme whilst watching another (unless they happen to be on a different 'MUX'??? If I've got that right?)

I see why they probably don't incorporate all the functionality of an external PVR into a TV - to avoid the 'all eggs on one basket' scenario - but if they want to call these things "smart" TVs then to rule out something like an integral PVR in principle seems to be a bit of an own goal - it can't be that much of a big deal to slap in a second tuner can it?

Or (cynic alert) maybe it's a simple case of manufacturers wanting people to buy more stuff off them?

[Ampersound]

Use it to build your own arcade cabinet from an old pc you might have.

Use a front end called Hyperspin which will link into MAME and a plethora of other emulators. Also it can connect to XBMC for media fun.

It's an interesting little project at the same time.

Geeked out there.. Sorry.

If this doesn't interest you then get a Samsung smart tv. I have a D8000 42" led and it rocks.. Everything you'll need from a modern tv as mentioned above. You'll be able to pick up an Xbox or ps3 cheap these days but just get the one that your kids friends use to save the Xbox v ps3 debate or save your money for the next gen consoles this time next year!

[stu0x]

By far the most flexible and cost effective solution is to buy a half-decent PC and connect it directly to a TV.

However many bells and whistles a 'smart TV' has, it will have some limitations, either now or in the future, by it's inherent nature as a static platform.

My PC is sat behind the TV/stand in the corner so you'd never know it was there. HDMI straight into the back of the telly, wireless keyboard and mouse so I never have to actually physically access
it. SSD for boot/applications drive and 3TB of storage, perfectly fast enough to sleep/wake within 2 seconds, play full 1080p media, play pretty modern games if that's your thing (last one I tried was Mass Effect 3 which ran fine in full HD), chomps through every application I need/use ie Photoshop, Premiere, and obviously as a PC lets me access basically any web service that exists and can be changed/upgraded on a whim. Try doing all that with a Smart TV.

Whole solution (including 46" LED TV) probably cost about £1200 18 months ago, so would be perfectly possible to do similar for a grand now.

[trousers]

Duplicate post courtesy of O2 3G service

[trousers]

Hmmm....hadn't contemplated the dedicated PC solution - part of the thinking behind a smart TV was to free up the family laptop - we sometimes hook that up to the existing TV to create the same effect....I prefer it as a solution...just need to convince the lady of the house that 'more equipment' = good rather than bad! (Ladies tend to like everything in one neat little package....which is why we've been married for 23 years I guess...) :-)

[trousers]

If I was to go for the TV + PC option, is there any decent PVR software out there do I can record TV broadcasts direct to the PC rather than having to buy another piece of external kit to do this?

[trousers]

In fact....with the dedicated PC solution, would it be better to wire that up to a TV sized monitor rather than an actual TV?

If I get a PC with two Freeview HD tuners then do I actually need a traditional TV? Or maybe TVs are cheaper than equivalent sized monitors? But is there a difference in picture quality either way?

Too much choice and too many questions!!

[trousers]

This looks decent...although a bit pricey... http://mobile.pcadvisor.co.uk/review...m-mini-review/

[mdearlove]

The LG I posted above - all the same features for £599 if you get them to price match RGB direct. If RGB aren't doing it at that price still then it is £629 at currys. JL will give you a 5 year warranty and match the price. Just fill in the price match form on their site.

[mdearlove]

Forgot the link - http://www.johnlewis.com/231657305/Product.aspx

[JPTCount]

In fact....with the dedicated PC solution, would it be better to wire that up to a TV sized monitor rather than an actual TV?

If I get a PC with two Freeview HD tuners then do I actually need a traditional TV? Or maybe TVs are cheaper than equivalent sized monitors? But is there a difference in picture quality either way?

Too much choice and too many questions!!

its not usually that much more to buy a tv, and it means it has the tuner built in if u ever want to use it somewhere else, and monitors dont really get bigger than 30". they also tend to feel a bit more flimsy.

if u want an standalone pc (HTPC) and aren't that bothered about games (or Photoshop :-)) then u can build one for around £200, it would probably be cheaper to buy that and a PS3 than getting something that can play far cry 3 in full specs when it comes out.

it also depends how much of ur media is digital, or whether u want to rip ur entire DVD collection. this is the main thing I use my htpc for, as the only live tv I watch is news & football, the rest is either on my hard drive or on iPlayer. I never record live tv to an HDD and watch it back anymore. and pc games I play on my gaming pc, and console games on my PS3.

from ur OP, and ur requirements, id go for a smart tv, an external HDD, and maybe a PS3. I wouldn't get hung up on being able to watch and record together as imo this is becoming more and more redundant with being able to stream everything, but it just depends how much crap ur missus wants to record from random freeview channels that u can't stream. :-D

[JPTCount]

This looks decent...although a bit pricey... http://mobile.pcadvisor.co.uk/review...m-mini-review/

I actually said ****ing he'll out loud when I saw the price. it's ok but how much are u really going to be using the i5 chip, it is far beyond video playback and web browsing.

[Frank's cousin]

Dont be a pussy, stick it all on Red !

[Big Bad Bob]

Get as big an LG TV as you can with what is left over after buying one of these (not necessarily from eBuyer though!)

Links with the LG TV well, HTS and PVR built in.

If you spend £500 on a decentish TV (forget 3D it's a gimmick) you can still get a PS3 or Xbox 360 as well.

3 separate units but your PVR will play MKVs HD movies etc, and it's got DLNA so if you do go for a Media Server PC based solution (serviio, Plex etc) you're sorted....plus CIFS as well so you can link directt to shares on your laptop (via WiFi) if'n you want.

Life's Good...

[Jonnyboy]

Get as big an LG TV as you can with what is left over after buying one of these (not necessarily from eBuyer though!)

Links with the LG TV well, HTS and PVR built in.

If you spend £500 on a decentish TV (forget 3D it's a gimmick) you can still get a PS3 or Xbox 360 as well.

3 separate units but your PVR will play MKVs HD movies etc, and it's got DLNA so if you do go for a Media Server PC based solution (serviio, Plex etc) you're sorted....plus CIFS as well so you can link directt to shares on your laptop (via WiFi) if'n you want.

Life's Good...

that looks very good

[Big Bad Bob]

Get as big an LG TV as you can with what is left over after buying one of these (not necessarily from eBuyer though!)

Links with the LG TV well, HTS and PVR built in.

If you spend £500 on a decentish TV (forget 3D it's a gimmick) you can still get a PS3 or Xbox 360 as well.

3 separate units but your PVR will play MKVs HD movies etc, and it's got DLNA so if you do go for a Media Server PC based solution (serviio, Plex etc) you're sorted....plus CIFS as well so you can link directt to shares on your laptop (via WiFi) if'n you want.

Life's Good...

Oh, and as the PVR has most of the functionality built in you don't have to go for a "smart" TV, you can pick up a decent 40/42" unit for around £300 these days.....

[stu0x]

If I was to go for the TV + PC option, is there any decent PVR software out there do I can record TV broadcasts direct to the PC rather than having to buy another piece of external kit to do this?

How fast is your broadband? Just download/stream whatever you want to watch.

[Big Bad Bob]

How fast is your broadband? Just download/stream whatever you want to watch.

ahemm, not that I would know BUT I have been told that uTorrent and an account on xspeeds.com would aid in this.....

Couple that with Plex/Serviio and a compatible DLNA TV/HTS and you're rocking....

[sotonjoe]

This is the most pikey OP I've read on here. I'm literally ****ing myself at your £1000 inheritance and honouring your dead granny by buying a TV.

[trousers]

This is the most pikey OP I've read on here. I'm literally ****ing myself at your £1000 inheritance and honouring your dead granny by buying a TV.

I've just spoken to granny in the spirit world and she says:

[Matty's Caddy]

Buy this months what hifi sound and vision. They've got a feature on your subject this month.

[hutch]

Buy this months what hifi sound and vision.

Can't you download it for free if you've got uTorrent and an account on xspeeds.com?

[Turkish]

I've got a custom built 65inch Bang and Olufsen Beovision 12 ultra slim 3D pazma with built in video conferencing and NASA satellite tracking and that's just in my games room!!

Loves a brag on the internezzzz

Rgds

Turkish.

[mdearlove]

My LG 50PM670T arrived yesterday and I am very happy with it. The Smart functions work really well, and the picture quality is really good. The Standard definition pictures are only average though this is to be expected on a 50" TV. For £599 it is a really good deal

[mdearlove]

My LG 50PM670T arrived yesterday and I am very happy with it. The Smart functions work really well, and the picture quality is really good. The Standard definition pictures are only average though this is to be expected on a 50" TV. For £599 it is a really good deal

[sussexsaint]

for 'family entertainment' I am sure the upcoming Wii U will be very good. Our Wii has been fantastic for playing games as a whole family unit - I know it isn't for die hard gamers but its fun. I'm sure it will give internet access /streaming etc and may work well with a non alll encompassing TV - just a thought

[Big Bad Bob]

Can't you download it for free if you've got uTorrent and an account on xspeeds.com?

Well, actually, yes

Oh, sorry, were you taking the michael??