Basic HTML Version
T
The age of real-time TV channel
surfing is coming to an end, given the
high cost of cable and the widespread
availability of most shows and movies
on iTunes and Netflix. In its place:
app-stocked, Internet-connected TVs
with built-in streaming services like
YouTube and sports sites like MLB.TV,
as well as Facebook, Twi er, Flickr and
other social media hubs. Are these
couch-potato counterparts to the
smartphone ready for prime time?
Not quite, but have a li le
patience—they’re well on
their way, thanks to a few
recent innovations.
TECH
BRIGHT LIGHTS
SMART TVS ARE QUICKLYMOVING FROM
NOVELTY TOUBIQUITY—BUTWHENWILL THEY
BECOME THEWISE CHOICE FOR CONSUMERS?
BY TOM SAMILJAN
The biggest obstacle to the smart-TV
revolution has been the so ware updates
required to upgrade these dedicated, all-
in-one units. If any significant additional
processing power is needed, then last
year’s model is instantly outdated. But
that’s changing. Besides such snazzy
features as voice and gesture recogni-
tion, the
Samsung 8000 Series LED
has
a removable hardware module that you
can simply swap out for the latest and
greatest processor. The company plans to
introduce newmodules annually, starting
next year. With the 8000 Series offering
everything fromNetflix andHulu toHBO
Go and 3-Dmovie rentals—not tomention
a built-in webcam for Skype calls—the
problem, for now, is its price: $3,500 for a
55-inch. That’s a pre y penny to pay for
something that could be rendered obso-
lete at the same pace as your laptop, even
with
hardware upgrades.
If you’re willing to put up with extra
wiring and external component clu er, a
savvy alternative is to raise the IQ of your
existing TV with the help of some ni y
a er-market solutions. Because the smart-
TV industry is still in its infancy, though,
these products are vastly
SAMSUNG 8000 SERIES LED
HEMISPHERESMAGAZINE.COM
•
JUNE 2012
•
ILLUSTRATIONS BY IAN KELTIE
73