HP SL4778N

Pros: 1080P and Media sharing at competitive price point

Cons: Wired or 802.11n network needed

Summary: I have been using this MediaSmart HDTV for about 3 months with great success. The HDTV features are in line with all the other major players (Sony, LG, Samsung, etc.). However, the MediaSmart integration is the reason I bought this TV.

I can easily stream photos and audio from any PC in my home over my existing 802.11g wireless network. In order to pull HD video, I had to upgrade to 802.11n.

Unlike the initial reviewers feedback, I had no issues streaming 1080p video once I used an 802.11n router. (Linksys) I have about 10 short 1080p videos I play for guests to "show off" the HDTV resolution and each plays without any buffering.

Long-term, the file sizes associated with 1080p are the bigger issue, not the streaming. The .ts video format is not currently supported by WMP11, but all other supported formats play as advertised.

The only "issue" I still have with the TV is that you cannot access a local pc's content if it is currently connected to a VPN. Therefore, if one of your home PC's is normally used to connect to work via a VPN, you would need to drop the VPN connection in order to access the locally stored content. A minor issue, but understandable given the access is based on those systems connected to your home router.

I would highly recommend this solution, but would only use it with a wired network or 802.11n wireless network. As long as you have one of these networks in place the streaming of pictures and music works great, even if someone is using the local PC you are pulling the files from. Video is obviously a bigger bandwidth challenge and streaming that while someone is using the host pc/server isn't recommended.

Great HDTV. 3 HDMI connections. Strong Network connectivity options. Reliable brand. Gorgeous piano black finish. Unexpectedly low pricing.

I enjoy it everyday and recommend it to all.