New TV's and other tech toys running applications
Wednesday, May 18, 2011 by Philly0381 | Discussion: Personal Computing
It seems you can not buy any new tech toys (TV's, Home Theater Sys, Gaming Consoles and such) that don't have Internet connection these days.
I just received my new toy, a Samsung LED 46 in SmartTV that has connection to the Internet for applications and a browser. I haven't tried it out yet because I need to purchase a wifi adapter.
The new TV becomes the center piece of a Home Theater Sys that I have my computer hooked into so the question comes to mind just how safe is it running apps through the TV? I have the needed security programs for virus and malware protection on the computer and I can go to all the sites that show up for the TV and I use the TV as a monitor. Hmmm. I do understand that the interface is a lot different.
So folks, any of you out there have any first hand experience in this or know of the safeguards that are present in the devices?
Thanks
Reply #2 Wednesday, May 18, 2011 1:41 PM
I have been considering a 55" Vizio for quite some time now but have always debated one particular thing about this Tv and thats the Internet apps feature one of the models comes with. They have the model that does not have these apps for about $200 less. The reason for my debate is that I also planned on getting a device like the Boxee Box which also comes with apps, most the same as the ones the TV comes with so i figured I could save some money and avoid the Tv with the apps. Besides, it seemed like to much clutter to have the same software built into every device I have for the Tv including the Tv itself. The blueray player I wanted also has these apps built into them. Imagine my wife looking at Facebook on 3 different devices, the TV, the Boxee Box and the blueray player?. Talk about annoying.
Reply #3 Thursday, May 19, 2011 5:36 PM
I haven't had time yet to check with Samsung nor get to Best Buy and get the wifi adaper. When I do I will post what I find out.
Reply #4 Thursday, May 19, 2011 8:55 PM
Most have a RJ45 jack so you might be able to hard wire your lan connection as well.
If so, it will save you from having to purchase the wifi adapter. The one for my Blue-ray player was $75.00. At that price it was a pointless purchase.
Reply #5 Monday, May 23, 2011 2:43 PM
Okay, so this weekend I took a look at the apps for my Samsung SmartTV. Unless you have no capability to get cable or satellite the apps are not very exciting. Mostly download apps for live streaming, buying and renting movies.
Most of the apps show that they are free, but once you click on them you find out that these are previews for paid services. Like most things these days with technology toys, lots of hype and not much show.
Oh well. 
Reply #6 Monday, May 23, 2011 10:52 PM
You tube should be free, but there is only so much of the low res videos you can stand before the novelty wears off.
Reply #7 Thursday, May 26, 2011 10:29 AM
I have made an observation based on about a week of use of the new TV.
For those of us that use computers mainly for email and searching the web we very well may be able to just do away with the computer. I know, hard to believe I typed that. My TV has apps and a browser available.
Now the question arises has technology advance enough, and quickly enough, that the sales of home computers could be affected? You don't worry about what OS you are running, don't really care what the user interface looks like.
Wonder what Brad's thoughts are about this? 
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Reply #1 Wednesday, May 18, 2011 12:42 PM
There should be a manual with it, but if it can browse, it has software... and if so, it might be vulnerable, but I've never heard about anything like that. I wonder if it works with flash memory or uses a HDD - again, your manual should tell you.
I think your questions are valid, Philly and would advise you to find out from Samsung. Also, since your TV can use apps, check the security testing in the Samsung App Store - do they have rigorous requirements for their apps? Do they test them?
I only ask because you'll probably end up hooking various AV devices up to it. Also, what OS does it use? Do you plan to do taxes/purchasing online? That's what would make me think twice about it.
If your TV runs a different OS from your 'puter, the likelihood of cross infection is likely zero.
Very good questions, though.