Internet TVs Review

Passing around a smartphone or swarming a computer screen is a terrible way to show off your favorite YouTube video. Big-screen internet TVs (or smart TVs) allow you to watch internet content in its full, rich glory. The best smart TVs also allow you to chat on Facebook while you watch TV without getting out your laptop. You can look up your favorite actor on IMDb while you're watching a Netflix movie without missing any of the action.

The best smart TVs have an internet connection built into them. This is great because it means that you don't have to add a box to your HDTV. Moreover, many internet-ready TVs can connect via Wi-Fi. This cuts down on the number of cables you need to connect, for a cleaner, simpler experience.

At the end of our review of the best internet ready TVs, we awarded the LG 42LV5700, LG 42PM4700 and Samsung UN40D6000SF our TopTenREVIEWS Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards, respectively. These products possess the best internet options and picture quality. For more information, check out our articles on internet TV in our learning center. You can also peruse the whole lineup of the best smart TV comparisons and reviews.

It should be noted that you don't have to use a smart TV for its internet capabilities. You have the option to watch TV like you would with any conventional set. Internet connectivity is an additional feature that won't keep your TV from working if your internet connection is down.

Internet TV: What to Look For

To find the best smart TV, you'll want to make sure that your TV has all the functions and clarity a TV should have, while offering the apps and browsing options that fit your needs. You'll also want a TV that is smart enough to be able to search both TV channels and internet content to find exactly what you're looking for, and what better way to do that than with an internet-friendly remote?

Web Access
Although each TV has access to the internet, be aware that each one can access a varying number of websites. The best smart TVs come with Wi-Fi already set up. The applications a TV offers can also be a deal breaker, since not all TVs offer the same apps. Each TV comes with different apps that the manufacturer has already installed. If you want to use Netflix and Facebook, you obviously won't want to consider TVs that don't offer those apps. The best app options include manufacturer-installed apps and an app store that will allow you to purchase additional apps. Several of the TVs we reviewed have access to app stores, but others did not.

TV Specs
While you're buying a TV for its internet capabilities, don't forget the basic aspects of what makes a great TV. Screen size and type, resolution, audio and picture quality, connectivity, response time, refresh speed and additional features are all important things to take into consideration. In addition, the best devices are those that are local area network (LAN) compliant. This allows you to access files from other electronic devices that you also have connected to the LAN.

Peripheral Integration
A smart TV should combine both TV programming and internet content into one seamless search option, thus allowing you to search for your favorite movies and TV shows in your personal library, on the internet and on TV stations. As TV merges with the internet, you'll find that specialized internet remotes, or your own smartphone, can make the navigation process even easier. Some TVs even allow you to throw something from your phone onto your TV screen.

Help & Support
It's beneficial to have several tech-support options from which you can choose in the event that you have questions or need assistance. Email and telephone contact information are the basics. Community forums and the ability to have live chat sessions with tech support can also be invaluable. We also looked for timely and knowledgeable responses from the manufacturers' tech support.

Bring the internet to the comfort of your living room in style through a big-screen smart TV. Selecting the internet television with the right apps and browsing capabilities, as well as superior picture quality, will help you enjoy your TV and internet experience even more. Read our in-depth reviews to find just the right smart TV for you.

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