ie8 fix

App TV: 2011 Internet services on TVs compared

David Katzmaier David Katzmaier
Senior editor May 26, 2011 (updated on: July 18, 2011)

Today, many TVs are able to connect directly to the Internet. A few of them include QWERTY keyboard remotes and actual Web browsers, but most lack these PC-like extras. Instead they're designed around a "walled garden" of apps like Facebook, Picasa, and casual games; streaming services like Netflix and Pandora; and an interface meant to be browsed using one thumb and a standard TV remote. Increasingly, they also offer app stores with paid and free apps as well as, in one case so far, actual shopping.

Of course a lot of other devices, especially Blu-ray players and dedicated boxes like Apple TV and Roku, also offer apps and streaming. The advantage of these boxes compared with a TV is cost: you can add them to an existing TV without having to upgrade, and if they become obsolete, the replacement cost is a lot lower.

But if you're buying a new TV and want built-in services without having to connect an extra box, you may be interested in how the various walled gardens stack up. We've reviewed a few this year, with more to come, so here's a quick-and-dirty look in order of which ones we like best so far. All include Netflix and the differences accumulate from there.

Panasonic Viera Connect: We're fans of the simple approach used by Panasonic. The main home page is arranged around tiles that will be familiar to any iPhone user, and you can arrange them so your favorites are on top. Unfortunately there's no Vudu or Hulu Plus client, and it still uses the old Netflix interface, but overall we think it's still better than the alternatives we've tested. The app store has potential and is the first we've seen that lets you purchase physical merchandise, but we wouldn't recommend paying extra for those Gameloft games.
Wi-Fi: USB dongle included

LG Smart TV: Like Panasonic, LG keeps its interface simple, with a tile-based Home page layout we actually liked better than Panasonic's. It's customizable and well-laid-out, especially if you use the unique Nintendo Wii-like remote included in models like the LW5600 below. The remote also allows drag-and-drop and makes using the surprisingly decent built-in Web browser easier. On the downside, LG's app store is the lightest content-wise among the top three (although we love its star rating system for apps), Pandora is mysteriously absent for now, and Search is even less impressive than Samsung's.
Wi-Fi: USB dongle included

Samsung Smart TV: If Panasonic and LG take the simple Apple approach, then Samsung is like the sprawling, more capable but also more impenetrable Android. Samsung offers a video search and a sort of IMDb lite with TV and movie information, but search is disappointing and it's rare for any of the TV shows or movies listed to actually be available to watch. The major missing service is Amazon Instant, but otherwise Samsung offers more apps than anyone, and its potential upside, for example with 3D streaming, is the highest among any we've seen. The UND6400 linked below is missing the browser and QWERTY remote found with the high-end UND8000.
Wi-Fi: Built-in on select high-end models; USB dongle $80

Sony Bravia Internet Video: Unlike Panasonic and Samsung, Sony didn't make any major improvements to its Internet offerings. There's no app store and no integrated home page for Internet content, but streaming selection is quite solid (with the exception of Vudu), and there's a cool Gracenote app that can identify songs much like Shazam on your phone. Most of the other add-ons use a separate Yahoo widgets interface, and the streaming services themselves are bound to Sony's design--a good thing for consistency, but often, as in the case of Netflix and Amazon, the cover art is just too small.
Wi-Fi: Built-in on select high-end models; USB dongle $80

Sharp Aquos Net: Sharp's service doesn't offer YouTube, Hulu Plus, or Amazon Instant, and the selection of apps is relatively sparse in the main user interface. On the other hand, the TV also offers a separate smorgasbord of apps from Vudu, with a better interface but no ability to combine live TV with apps on the same screen.
Wi-Fi: Built-in on all models

Philips Net TV: Our least favorite service so far in 2011 includes even fewer apps than Sharp, and while it also offers Vudu Apps, the rest of the pickings are slim. Although it isn't strictly an app or part of Net TV, Philips' Wi-Fi MediaConnect feature is worth mentioning here since it can let the TV display whatever is on your laptop screen without wires.
Wi-Fi: Built-in on all models

Coming soon: Toshiba, Vizio

Related: App-etite for comparison: Internet services on TVs (2010), Guide to Internet TV, Best network video streamers, Best Blu-ray players

The products listed below represent one screen size in one series of TVs from each maker. Slight differences in Internet options might exist between series, and all are available in multiple sizes.

Product name
Price $1,499.94 $1,149.00 $1,050.00 $899.00 $549.99
CNET editors' rating
Average user rating 0 stars
Release date April 01, 2011 March 15, 2011 March 01, 2011 July 01, 2011
The Bottom Line While passive 3D has its flaws, the LG LW5600's 2D picture quality is very good for an edge-lit LED-based LCD TV, especially in bright rooms. Solid overall 2D and 3D picture quality, as well as a wealth of features and beautiful looks, mark the Samsung UND6400 as one of the better edge-lit LED-based LCD TVs we've tested. The picture quality of Sony's KDL-EX720 shows some flaws but its efficiency, design, and well-stocked feature list will win plenty of converts. Although it's blessed with a solid feature set, the picture quality of the Sharp LC-LE830U series falls short of most LED-based LCD TVs we've tested. While the Philips PFL5706/F7's MediaConnect option may speak to PC-centric video-streaming fans, other buyers might balk at the TV's picture-quality and control flaws.
Features
Surround modeYes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Sound effectsInfinite 3D Surround
SRS TheaterSound HD
S-FORCE Front Surround 3D
Info unavailableSRS TruSurround HD
Addtional featuresAuto Volume Leveller (AVL)
Clear Voice II technology
Auto Volume Leveller (AVL)
Bottom mounted
Alternate Audio
Sound Enhancer
Invisible Speaker System
Sound Booster
Auto mute
S-Master Digital Amplifier
Bass & treble control
Balance control
Auto volume adjustment
EasyLink
Pixel Precise HD
Net TV
Dynamic contrast
LightSensor Technology
DLnA
Active control
3:2 pull down compensation
2:2 pull down compensation
Parental control
Supported DTV resolutions1080/30p
1080/60p
1080/24p
Info unavailable1080/60p
720/60p
1080/60i
480/60p
1080/24p
480/60i
1080/60p
1080/24p
1080/60i
720/60p
480/60p
480/60i
480/60i
1080/60p
720/60p
1080/60i
480/60p
Input/Output connections1 x VGA input (15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)) - Rear
1 x Serial - Rear
4 x HDMI input (19 pin HDMI Type A) - Side
2 x Composite video/audio input (RCA phono x 3) - Rear
1 x Headphones (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm) - Rear
1 x Audio line-in (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm) - Rear
1 x Digital audio output (optical) (TOSLINK) - Rear
2 x USB 2.0 (4 pin USB Type A) - Side
2 x Component video input (RCA phono x 3) - Rear
1 x Network (RJ-45) - Rear
1 x Audio line-in (RCA phono x 2) - Rear
4 x HDMI
3 x USB (19 pin HDMI Type A) - Rear
(RCA phono x 3) - Rear
(Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm)
(4 pin USB Type A)
(RCA phono x 2)
(15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15))
(RCA phono)
(Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm)
(TOSLINK)
2 x Audio line-in (RCA phono x 2) - Rear
1 x Composite video / component video input (RCA phono x 3) - Rear
1 x Composite video input (RCA phono) - Rear
1 x Digital audio output (optical) (TOSLINK) - Rear
1 x VGA input (15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)) - Side
1 x Audio line-in (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm) - Rear
3 x HDMI (19 pin HDMI Type A) - Rear
2 x USB 2.0 (4 pin USB Type A) - Side
1 x Network (RJ-45) - Rear
1 x HDMI (19 pin HDMI Type A) - Side
1 x Audio line-out / headphones (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm) - Side
4 x
1 x Serial (9 pin D-Sub) - Rear
2 x VGA input (15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)) - Rear
1 x Composite video/audio input (RCA phono x 3) - Rear
1 x Component video input (RCA phono x 3) - Rear
2 x Audio line-in (RCA phono x 2) - Rear
1 x HDMI (19 pin HDMI Type A) - Rear
1 x USB (4 pin USB Type A) - Rear
Audio line-out (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm) - Rear
USB (4 pin USB Type A) - Rear
Network (RJ-45) - Rear
Digital audio output (optical) (TOSLINK) - Rear
Audio line-in (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm) - Rear
2 x Audio line-in (RCA phono x 2) - Rear
1 x Component video input (RCA phono x 3) - Rear
1 x Audio line-in (RCA phono x 2) - Rear
3 x HDMI (19 pin HDMI Type A) - Bottom
1 x Digital audio output (coaxial) (RCA phono) - Rear
1 x VGA input (15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15)) - Side
1 x Network (RJ-45) - Rear
1 x Composite video/audio input (RCA phono x 3) - Rear
1 x USB (4 pin USB Type A) - Side
1 x HDMI (19 pin HDMI Type A) - Side
1 x Audio line-in (Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm) - Side
Total output power20 Watt
20 Watt
20 Watt
35 Watt
20 Watt
Weight40.8 lbs
29.8 lbs
31.3 lbs
83.8 lbs
32.6 lbs
Image aspect ratio16:9
16:9
16:9
16:9
Info unavailable
Digital TV tunerATSC
QAM
ATSC
QAM
ATSC
QAM
ATSC
QAM
ATSC
Diagonal size47 in
46 in
46 in
60 in
40 in
Technology3D
LED-LCD
3D
LED-LCD
3D
LED-LCD
LED-LCD
TFT active matrix
HDMI ports qty4
4
4
4
4
Speaker(s)2 x Right/left channel speaker - Built-in - 10 Watt
2 x Main channel speaker - Built-in - 10 Watt
2 x Right/left channel speaker - Built-in - 10 Watt
2 x Right/left channel speaker
1 x Subwoofer - Built-in - 10 Watt
- Built-in - 15 Watt
2 x Right/left channel speaker - Built-in - 10 Watt
Resolution1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080
1920 x 1080
Sound output modeStereo
Stereo
Stereo
Stereo
Stereo
Widescreen modesCinema Zoom
16:9
Conventional 4:3
Just Scan
Original
Info unavailableWide Zoom
Full
Normal
Caption
Auto Wide
Conventional 4:3
Zoom
Stretch
Dot by Dot
Conventional 4:3
Sidebar
Zoom
Dot by Dot
Conventional 4:3
WideScreen
Super Zoom
Zoom 14:9
Zoom 16:9
Auto Wide
Product typeLED-LCD
LED-LCD
LED-LCD
LED-LCD
LCD TV
Internet streaming servicesSmart TV
NetCast
Info unavailableBRAVIA Internet Video
Netflix
CinemaNow
Vudu
Blockbuster
Napster
Blockbuster
Vudu
Net TV
Pandora
Dimensions (WxDxH)44.1 in x 1.2 in x 26.9 in - Without stand
41.7 in x 1.2 in x 24.5 in - Without stand
42.5 in x 1.7 in x 26 in - Without stand
54.3 in x 14.4 in x 35 in - With stand
38.9 in x 4.3 in x 24.2 in - Without stand
Manufacturer warranty1 year warranty
1 year warranty
1 year warranty
1 year warranty
Info unavailable
LED backlight typeEdge Light with local dimming
Edge Light w/ local dimming
Edge Light
Edge-lit
Info unavailable
Refresh rate120 Hz
120 Hz
240 Hz
120 Hz
120 Hz
HDCP compatibleYes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
WidescreenWidescreen
Widescreen
Widescreen
Widescreen
Widescreen
Display format1080p
1080p
1080p
1080p
1080p
LCD backlight technologyLED Backlight technology
LED Backlight technology
LED Backlight technology
LED Backlight technology
Info unavailable
Connectivity protocolsWi-Fi ready, adapter included
Bluetooth
Wi-Fi ready, adapter sold separately
Ethernet
Built-in Wi-Fi
IEEE 802.11b (Wi-Fi)
IEEE 802.11n
IEEE 802.11g
TV tuner presenceYes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
PC interfaceVGA (HD-15)
VGA (HD-15)
VGA (HD-15)
VGA (HD-15)
VGA (HD-15)
Video interfaceHDMI
Component
Composite
HDMI
Component
Composite
HDMI
Component
Composite
HDMI
Component
Composite
HDMI
Component
Composite
Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications Full specifications
Buying choices

15 comments

Join the conversation! Add your comment
i think LG is the best, with its own TV app store, media link!, web browser, and the magic motion remote control.
Posted by fomol_620 (1619 comments )
Reply Link Flag
Ignoring Vizio seems odd, especially since CNET ranks their TVs so highly.
Posted by toddtee (55 comments )
Reply Link Flag
I agree. Where are Vizio (and LG), David K? Vizio and LG are consistently in the top 5 in LCD TV market share (Vizio recently #2 and LG recently #4 in 2010), and Vizio's VIA and LG's internet services for TV are well known. Their omission leaves this comparison quite incomplete.
Posted by highlander2000 (56 comments )
Link Flag
Can't you access Amazon instant with Samsung Smart TV through the yahoo app, or was that only on last year's models?
Posted by c-twizzy (1 comment )
Reply Link Flag
yahoo doesnt seem to be supporting yahoo tv widgets anymore since they never took off.
Posted by fomol_620 (1619 comments )
Reply Link Flag
Which 2011 TV is the best and doesn't have apps that when they die you are out a TV while they are being fixed?
Posted by frazierrg (11 comments )
Reply Link Flag
But LG and Vizio do not pump the advertisinfg $$$ into this site like Panasonic, Samsung, Sony and Sharp.
Posted by klupo1100 (21 comments )
Reply Link Flag
How can you ignore Vizio, by far the best sellling hdtv, as well as the fact that your own guy gives it such high rankings
Posted by stuinohio (3 comments )
Reply Link Flag
How can you ignore Vizio, by far the best sellling hdtv, as well as the fact that your own guy gives it such high rankings
Posted by stuinohio (3 comments )
Reply Link Flag
David
What is the difference between 1080 and 1080P? What is the difference between Refresh rate of 60, 120, 240 and 600 HZ? What is the diff between LCD & LED? I understand Plasma needs a dark room. Any other drawbacks? If a TV has PC input, I assume I connect it to my laptop and use the mouse, keyboard and screen to get an enlarged duplicate of the PC screen onto the TV. So if the TV has an ethernet connection and hooks to the TV direct, how do you control moving around without a mouse? Which mfg displays the BEST overall picture and what is the features to do it. Thanks.
Posted by Doug6388 (2 comments )
Reply Link Flag
David
What is the difference between 1080 and 1080P? What is the difference between Refresh rate of 60, 120, 240 and 600 HZ? What is the diff between LCD & LED? I understand Plasma needs a dark room. Any other drawbacks? If a TV has PC input, I assume I connect it to my laptop and use the mouse, keyboard and screen to get an enlarged duplicate of the PC screen onto the TV. So if the TV has an ethernet connection and hooks to the TV direct, how do you control moving around without a mouse? Which mfg displays the BEST overall picture and what is the features to do it. Thanks.
Posted by Doug6388 (2 comments )
Reply Link Flag
very nice review
http://www.hedeya.net
Posted by hhedeya (1 comment )
Reply Link Flag
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 plz dont write wrong info .......
sony besdies internet bravia video ..sony has an full internet browsing with opera browser okaaaaaaaaaaaay
Posted by omaris666 (1 comment )
Reply Link Flag
you dont say who has a full web browser and you dont say who has a keyboard which would seem like a miss in the comparison table?
Posted by ijudd98 (2 comments )
Reply Link Flag
Internet features have become standard feature for most Smart TVs, although some brands seem to be doing better than others. I will rate the Lg Smart TV suite as the best, with Samsung close behind, Toshiba and Sony descent while the rest are still playing catch up.
Posted by naskarparth (2 comments )
Reply Link Flag
 

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